FC Zenit appoint Sergei Semak as new manager

Former Russian international takes over at Gazprom Arena

Semak replaces Vlastimil Petrzela who was sacked last week following a run of poor results.

FC Zenit Saint Petersburg have appointed Sergei Semak as their new manager on a two-year contract.

The 45-year-old, who won 13 caps for Russia during his playing career, has been out of work since leaving FC Ufa at the end of last season.

Semak, who played for Zenit from 2007 to 2010, is a popular figure with the club's fans and is seen as a safe pair of hands to steady the ship after a turbulent few weeks.

Zenit have endured a difficult start to the season, winning just four of their opening nine league games and being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage.

Petrzela was sacked last week after a 3-1 home defeat to CSKA Moscow, with Zenit languishing in eighth place in the table.

Semak's first game in charge will be a home game against Spartak Moscow on Sunday.

Zenit are one of the most successful clubs in Russia, having won the league title on six occasions, including the last two seasons.

They have also won the Russian Cup four times and the Russian Super Cup five times.

Semak will be hoping to lead Zenit to a seventh league title this season and to make a significant impact in the Champions League.

He will be assisted by former Zenit defender Alexander Anyukov and ex-Russia international Vladislav Radimov.