Spalletti: I Won't Abandon Zenit in a Crisis

Luciano Spalletti has reaffirmed his commitment to Zenit St. Petersburg despite reported interest in the coach from Serie A clubs including AC Milan. The Italian is dealing with internal feuding brought about by midfielder Igor Denisov, who was dropped to the reserves after issuing a pay rise ultimatum following the signings of Brazil forward Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel. Interest in the 53-year-old has swelled since taking the Gazprom-backed side to consecutive Russian Premier League titles and the knockout stages of Champions League, a first for a Russian club. "The talk last year was about my joining Milan or Juventus or Inter, but I said that I won't go to these clubs and I signed a new contract," said Spalletti, referring to the extension inked in February that keeps him at Petrovsky stadium until 2015. "Now I say exactly the same thing. I want to assure you that this is the truth. I'm the coach of Zenit, especially at this time, a time of difficulty for the team. I will stay at this club and I will work here." Spalletti insisted he would only depart the club under better circumstances. "If I leave Zenit, then it will be only at a time when things are good for the club. Or, another scenario, if Zenit fire me. I love my players and I love Zenit." The former AS Roma coach joined Zenit in 2009, taking over from Dick Advocaat.