Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, a coach at Zenit St. Petersburg, has weighed in on the club's decision to loan striker John Duran from Al-Nasr, defending the move as the team pushes for the championship title. The Colombian forward joined Zenit on February 9 on a loan deal that runs through the end of the 2025/26 season.
In a recent interview, Tymoshchuk acknowledged that Duran has contributed two penalty goals in nine appearances for the club. More importantly, he believes the 22-year-old has raised the level of competition within the squad, particularly for fellow striker Alexander Sobolev. "Sobolev, of course, feels the competition with him," Tymoshchuk noted, emphasizing that healthy rivalry benefits the team.
The Zenit coach addressed whether the loan was a mistake, stating that the team's immediate focus is on winning the league. "We are fighting for the championship — it's clear we are in this race, with only two rounds left. We will do everything possible to win. So, first of all, the interests of the team are important to us; they come first," he said.
Tymoshchuk also highlighted Duran's pedigree, describing him as a "world-class" player who was sought after in England before moving to Saudi Arabia for a substantial fee. He noted that Zenit had lost two forwards and gained a replacement with significant potential, though he cautioned that time will tell whether the move proves fully justified.
The coach's comments come as Zenit battles for top honors in the Russian Premier League. Duran's arrival has added depth to an attack that needed reinforcement after departures. While his goal tally is modest, Tymoshchuk values the tactical options and pressure he puts on starters.
Given the tight title race, Zenit's management appears confident that the loan gamble will pay off. Duran's experience in competitive leagues like England and Saudi Arabia brings a different dimension to the squad, and his presence keeps established players like Sobolev on their toes. As the season enters its decisive phase, Tymoshchuk remains focused on collective success rather than individual statistics.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.