Valery Nepomniachtchi, a distinguished coach with roots in Russian football, recently weighed in on Alan Dzagoev’s post-playing future. He suggested that Dzagoev could become a capable specialist in coaching, noting that the footballer’s character, though sometimes marked by humor, should not be seen as a weakness. The key, in Nepomniachtchi’s view, is the environment and the people Dzagoev works with. The dynamic shifts significantly depending on whether he is guiding younger players or leading a senior squad. “If I were to serve as an assistant head coach, the scenario would unfold very differently”, Nepomniachtchi explained, underscoring how coaching responsibilities shape a person’s influence and approach.
Dzagoev announced his retirement from professional football on November 21, 2023, signaling a clear turn toward coaching as the next phase of his career. His most recent club was Lamia, a team competing in the Greek championship. He appeared in two matches for Lamia, totaling 14 minutes on the pitch, a brief farewell to professional play before turning his focus to coaching duties. This move marks a natural progression for a player who spent years shaping the midfield with precision and vision.
Dzagoev’s long association with CSKA Moscow stretched from 2008 to 2022. During his time with the club, he helped secure the Russian Premier League title three times and collected the Russian Cup and Super Cup on four occasions. The 2022/23 season saw him at Rubin Kazan, after which he left in the summer of 2023, seeking new horizons and a fresh challenge on the touchline. His decision to step away from playing comes as many former teammates transition to coaching, scouting, or administrative roles within the sport.
On the international stage, Dzagoev represented the Russian national team with 59 caps, contributing nine goals across his career. His international tenure featured important qualifiers and tournament appearances, during which his technical ability and intelligence in the midfield were repeatedly on display. His departure from active play invites reflection on how his experiences at club and national levels could translate to coaching styles, player development, and team management in the years ahead. The path forward is likely to blend mentorship with tactical foundations built during his varied career.
In discussing Dzagoev’s future, observers note that his track record as a player—marked by consistency, decision-making under pressure, and a deep understanding of the game—could serve him well behind the bench. The transition from player to coach demands an adaptiveness in dealing with different cohorts, from aspiring youngsters to seasoned professionals. Dzagoev’s evolving role may involve specialized coaching duties, youth development initiatives, or strategic responsibilities within a club’s broader coaching staff. As he begins this new chapter, the football community watches with interest to see how his leadership style develops and how his on-field insights translate into effective training programs, tactical planning, and player mentorship. The journey from captain to mentor is not uncommon in football, but it requires a keen ability to translate experience into actionable guidance for others to follow.
Dzagoev’s career narrative thus remains a compelling case study in the transition from elite player to coaching professional. The conversations around his potential to impact teams in a coaching capacity center on how he adapts to working with athletes at different stages of their development, how he communicates tactical concepts, and how his own experiences inform his approach to player growth, team dynamics, and competitive mindset. As more details emerge about his coaching philosophy and assignments, the football world will be watching closely to understand the potential influence of a player who once piloted the midfield with exceptional vision and technical flair. His story continues to unfold as he embarks on the next chapter, bringing with him a wealth of practical knowledge and a readiness to guide others toward success. — Source: various sports media updates