Former Russian national team player Vladimir Granat commented on Spartak Moscow and Guillermo Abascal, suggesting that the head coach was very close to dismissal and that the upcoming Russian Premier League encounter against CSKA would be tough, especially with Alexander Sobolev sidelined. His remarks, relayed by Sports24, frame the showdown as a critical test for the red-whites in round 11.
Granat observed that the latest results point to a fragile moment for Spartak. He noted that in recent performances some players appeared to be merely completing a routine exercise rather than pushing for strong results, a difference that could be magnified in a high-stakes match. The absence of Sobolev, described as the team’s guiding attacking light, compounds the challenge. Sobolev’s leadership in the forward line has been a pivotal factor in Spartak’s attacking dynamics, and his absence could disrupt the balance of Promes and the other attacking players who contribute to the team’s creative exchanges. The veteran analyst implied that the team may struggle to replicate the cohesion and tempo that Sobolev typically provides on the frontline.
After ten rounds in the Russian Championship, Spartak sits in sixth place with 16 points, while CSKA is closely matched on points but sits eighth in the table. The upcoming clash is scheduled for October 8 at the Otkritie Bank Arena, with the kickoff set for 19:00 Moscow time. This fixture is significant for both teams as the season unfolds, with every point potentially shaping the trajectory of the campaign for the top tier clubs in Russia and their ambitions within the league. The crowd in Moscow will be looking for a performance that demonstrates resolve and tactical clarity, especially given the pressure on Spartak’s leadership in the dugout.
Guillermo Abascal has headed Spartak since the summer of 2022. During his tenure, the club managed to secure a bronze medal in the Russian Premier League in the previous season, a result that underscored the team’s competitive level and the expectations surrounding their performances in domestic competitions and European qualifiers. The trajectory under Abascal has involved a mix of resilience and risk, with decisions on squad selection and tactical setup frequently debated among fans and pundits alike. This match against CSKA could be a turning point in how the season is assessed, with the manager under scrutiny from supporters who look for consistency and progress. The broader assessment of Spartak’s season suggests that the issues may not lie solely with Abascal but with structural or strategic aspects within the club that influence results on the field.
Earlier commentary from an influential agent highlighted a similar sentiment: the central problem is not solely the manager’s approach but the overall conditions within Spartak that need addressing to sustain success. This viewpoint aligns with the sense that a club’s fortunes are often shaped by deeper factors, including squad depth, recruitment strategy, and the ability to maintain performance under pressure. For supporters in Canada and the United States watching the Russian Premier League, the match promises an intriguing display of talent and tactical battles, with the potential for a dramatic shift in standings depending on how Spartak responds to the challenge posed by CSKA and the absence of Sobolev. (Sports24)