Former Russia international and Manchester United figure Andrei Kanchelskis publicly congratulated coach Leonid Slutsky on his new role with Shanghai Shenhua, speaking to Sports Express. The veteran winger offered his best wishes and framed the move as a chance for Slutsky to rebuild his coaching career on a prominent stage abroad.
Kanchelskis emphasized that Slutsky’s track record should be judged by what he achieves with Shenhua, noting that past setbacks in England are not the defining measure of his abilities. He expressed hope that Slutsky would apply the lessons learned from prior experiences to this new opportunity and suggested that Slutsky could showcase that Russian coaches can thrive internationally. The sentiment was clear: Russian coaches need tangible invitations to work abroad, and Slutsky’s appointment represents a visible step in that direction.
The agreement with Slutsky is set to commence on January 1, 2024, though the exact terms of the contract had not been disclosed at the time of the statements. The lack of disclosed details left room for speculation about the scope of responsibilities, the length of the deal, and the expectations placed on the new Shenhua boss as the club prepared for the upcoming season.
Slutsky’s most recent role before this appointment was with Rubin Kazan, a position he left on November 15, 2022. After parting ways with Rubin, he stepped away from active coaching duties and turned his attention to entertainment, appearing in a range of comedy programs and continuing to provide analysis and commentary on matches. This period marked a notable shift from the demanding rhythm of top-tier football management to a broader media presence, yet his coaching experience remained a core reference point in discussions about his next steps.
Throughout his career, Slutsky has held coaching positions with several high-profile clubs, including Moscow teams, CSKA Moscow, Krylya Sovetov Samara, Hull City, and Vitesse. His achievements with CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team underscored his ability to lead and develop squads at the highest levels. While with the army club, he earned three national championships, secured two Russian Cup victories, and claimed a Russian Super Cup title, highlighting a pedigree of success that supporters and analysts frequently revisit when evaluating his potential impact abroad.
From 2015 to 2016, Slutsky simultaneously managed CSKA Moscow and contributed to the Russian national team, a period marked by notable results on the international stage. Under his guidance, the national team qualified for Euro 2016, though the squad did not advance beyond the group stage. This run is often cited in assessments of his tactical approach and leadership style, offering context for his selection by Shenhua and the expectations that come with it. Critics and supporters alike have weighed his decisions and in-game management, shaping a nuanced view of his capabilities as a modern coach.
Earlier commentary from Koloskov suggested a degree of disagreement with the criticisms directed at Slutsky, signaling that opinion about his methods and career path has long been divided among observers. The broader narrative around Slutsky includes both praise for his successes and questions about the consistency of his results across different leagues, a balance that continues to influence how teams and fans perceive his candidacy for demanding coaching roles in international settings.