Guillermo Abascal, the former head coach of Spartak Moscow, has publicly expressed a desire to return to Russia and to work again with Russian clubs. In recent exchanges, the Spaniard made it clear that Moscow left a lasting impression on his professional life, and he hinted that another stint in the country could be on the horizon. His reflections come as a reminder of the connections he built during his time in Russia and of the opportunities that may lie ahead for him to lead a Russian side once more. The message resonates with fans who remember his approach and the atmosphere he fostered around the club, suggesting that his coaching career could continue to be intertwined with Russian football in the near future.
“Nowhere did I work so well, nowhere did I feel so comfortable, including from a professional point of view, as in Moscow,” he stated. “I would like to go back, perhaps it will work.” Those words capture a sense of belonging and professional satisfaction that a return could be possible if circumstances align. The tone of his remarks signals readiness to explore another chapter in Russia, where he believes his expertise and familiarity with the league could translate into future success for a club that values his experience and his track record in big-city football culture. Moscow, for Abascal, represents not only a professional destination but a place where personal ties and career ambitions might converge again in the coming seasons.
On April 14, 2024, Abascal was dismissed from Spartak after a tenure that began in the summer of 2022. Following the restart of the 2023/24 season, the team managed only one win in five league games, leaving Spartak in fifth place at the end of the campaign. The decision reflected the difficult stretch the club faced as it tried to regain consistency and push back toward the top of the Russian Premier League table. The period marked a turning point in his career, a moment when the club opted for a change in leadership in pursuit of stronger results and a more stable performance trajectory for the upcoming seasons. The upheaval also underscored the high expectations that come with coaching Spartak, a club with a storied rivalry and a demanding fan base that seeks regular silverware and progress.
In Moscow, Abascal built more than a professional footprint; he and his partner established a home, and the couple welcomed their son Nikolai. The city’s rhythm, the pace of football life, and the daily routines of life in a major capital shaped a period that extended beyond the touchlines. The family ties and the experience of living in Moscow added a personal layer to his professional journey, connecting him to a city that has long been a hub of football culture in Russia and the broader region. The surrounding atmosphere—clubs, fans, media, and the occasional winter chill—became part of his story as he balanced coaching duties with personal milestones, shaping memories that would remain with him long after the season ended.
For the 2024/25 campaign, Dejan Stankovic took charge of Spartak, guiding the team through a season that has featured new tactical ideas and a refreshed squad. The red-whites sat in third place with 37 points after 18 rounds, a position that reflected progress under the new leadership. A six-match winning streak prior to the winter break reminded supporters of the potential in the squad and the level of intensity the club could bring to matches when fully firing. The season’s early results pointed to a fevered fight for a top finish, underscoring the club’s ambition to reclaim a place among Russia’s elite and to push deeper into domestic competitions as the year advanced. The transition from Abascal to Stankovic is part of Spartak’s ongoing effort to optimise performance and maintain momentum in a league known for its competitive balance and passionate fan engagement.
Earlier, Abascal had already left a notable mark in Moscow, earning recognition for his work and the relationships he built within the club and the city. His time in the Russian capital is remembered for a distinct coaching style and a genuine connection with the football environment there, suggesting that his future in Russia could still unfold in a variety of roles and contexts. In summary, the narrative around Abascal’s career in Moscow remains alive, with both professional opportunities and personal ties indicating that his association with Russian football may continue to evolve in the years ahead.