Akhmat defender Rizvan Utsiev has voiced a clear ambition for Grozny to emerge as the football capital of Russia, emphasizing the city’s growing influence in the sport. “I think Grozny is close to becoming the football capital of Russia. Our football is developing very well. We are moving towards this situation. The president of the club attaches great importance to all football, especially youth football”, Utsiev said, underscoring a commitment to a broad-based program that prioritizes young players and local talent as the foundation for long-term success. (Sports Express)
From Utsiev’s perspective, the progress being made in Grozny reflects a wider trend in the region: investments across the football pyramid are starting to bear fruit. The club leadership is publicly backing both the senior team and the youth ranks, signaling a strategy that seeks to cultivate homegrown players who can eventually step up to higher levels of competition. This approach aligns with an evolving narrative in which clubs not only chase immediate results but also build sustainable pathways for young stars who can carry the club forward for years to come. (Sports Express)
In the current Russian Championship standings, Akhmat sits in 13th place with 17 points. The league leaders are Krasnodar, sitting on 38 points, while St. Petersburg’s Zenit holds second place with 36 points. Moscow’s Dinamo is also firmly in contention among the top three, and Marcel Lička’s Akhmat side has accumulated 31 points to date. These figures paint a picture of a league characterized by competitive parity, where steady improvement can translate into a climb up the table as the season progresses. (Sports Express)
Looking ahead to the forthcoming round of the Russian Premier League, Akhmat is scheduled to face Ural Yekaterinburg. The match is slated for early March and represents another chance for the Grozny club to demonstrate the benefits of its development focus. Akhmat did secure a 1:0 victory when the sides met earlier in the campaign, a result that adds a touch of confidence to preparation and expectations for the next encounter. (Sports Express)
Earlier in the campaign, a clash between Rostov and Akhmat in the 18th round ended in a 0:0 stalemate, a result that reflects the sometimes cagey nature of mid-season fixtures in the league. Such draws can be crucial in shaping momentum and confidence as teams navigate the demanding schedule, testing both tactical resolve and the depth of squad resources. (Sports Express)