Valery Gazzaev, renowned former coach of Moscow CSKA, faced questions about why Spartak’s head coach Guillermo Abascal did not start Alexander Sobolev in the 14th round Russian Premier League clash against Lokomotiv. Gazzaev’s remarks offer a window into how some veterans interpret modern squad management in big clubs, and they echo the narrative presented by Sports Express, which has followed the story closely.
Aries wise or not, Gazzaev notes that Abascal evaluates his players on a weekly basis. From an outside perspective, it appears the Spaniard continues to test ideas and refine his approach, a process many managers undertake as they search for the best lineup and tactical balance. Gazzaev’s view is that such ongoing assessment is part of the job, leaving little room for simple solutions when a squad is competing at a high level.
Abascal assumed Spartak’s helm at the start of the 2022/23 campaign and extended his contract as results warranted. Under his leadership, Spartak finished third in the domestic league last season, while Zenit St. Petersburg secured a fifth consecutive title. The season also featured a competitive race between Petersburg and the capital clubs, with Spartak and CSKA bearing the weight of expectation as they chased the top spots.
In the current campaign, Spartak sits joint sixth with Lokomotiv, both on 21 points after 14 rounds. The gap to the league leaders, Krasnodar, stands at ten points. Abascal’s team is preparing for a next match against Rostov. The kickoff is scheduled for 19:30 Moscow time, and the clash will be staged in Moscow, adding extra layers to the tactical and psychological challenge for the players and staff as they navigate a crowded fixture list.
Questions and rumors sometimes surround the squad, with discussions about why details of selection or strategy leak out in the media. Such speculation can reflect the high stakes involved in managing a club with Spartak’s history and expectations, where every decision—from formation to rotation—attracts scrutiny and becomes part of the club’s ongoing narrative. The topic remains a talking point among fans and pundits, underscoring the intense environment coaches operate within at this level.