In a recent interview featured in the documentary series 'Zenit Forever,' Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Wilmar Barrios opened up about a recurring issue within the squad. He addressed the topic of his teammate, Brazilian forward Wendel, who has developed a reputation for consistently arriving late to the club's mandatory training camps.
According to Barrios, this is not an isolated incident. Wendel has repeatedly failed to report to the team's pre-season and mid-season training sessions on time. The club's management has responded to these infractions by issuing financial penalties to the player, a standard disciplinary measure in professional football.
Barrios shared his personal approach to the situation. He revealed that he has taken it upon himself to speak directly with Wendel on multiple occasions. The Colombian international would approach his teammate to inquire about the reasons behind his tardiness, asking if there were any underlying problems or personal issues causing the delays.
However, Barrios noted a peculiar pattern in Wendel's behavior. Despite the repeated late arrivals, once the Brazilian rejoined the squad, his performance on the pitch and in training sessions appeared completely unaffected. It was as if the disruption had never occurred, allowing him to seamlessly reintegrate into the team's rhythm.
This unique characteristic, Barrios suggests, is part of what makes Wendel such a special talent. He believes that to get the best out of the player, the club and his teammates must sometimes allow him the space to operate in his own way, even if that means tolerating occasional lapses in punctuality. The focus, in Barrios's view, should remain on the exceptional quality Wendel brings to the team when he is fully engaged.
The comments provide a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of one of Russia's top football clubs. They highlight the balance managers must strike between enforcing strict team discipline and accommodating the individual personalities and routines of star players whose contributions on the field are vital to the team's success.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.