Shpilevsky Addresses Kokorin Fiorentina Rumors Amid ARIS Situation
Shpilevsky, the coach of Greek Cypriot ARIS, has stepped into the chatter surrounding Alexander Kokorin, the club s striker, and a possible return to Fiorentina in Italy. The coach described the circulating talk as mere rumors. He emphasized that he preferred not to respond to it daily, noting that such decisions lie with the club s management. What he did make clear is his own wish for Kokorin to stay with ARIS, underscoring that the forward has a strong affinity for the team and the project in Cyprus.
Kokorin embarked on his Fiorentina stint after leaving Spartak Moscow in 2021, marking a notable step in his career. Over the years, the striker has become familiar to fans for his spells with several top clubs in Russia, including Zenit Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anzhi Makhachkala. These assignments highlight a career that has taken him across major Russian teams and into international leagues, illustrating a pattern of high-profile moves and ambitious contracts.
Earlier this year, Kokorin joined ARIS, committing to a contract that runs through the summer of 2023. During this campaign, he has appeared in 25 matches across all competitions, contributing 11 goals and 6 assists. His production reflects a player who can influence matches in multiple ways, providing both finishing threat and creative support to teammates on the field.
In the media sphere, there have been critical assessments of Kokorin s time at Fiorentina. An Italian journalist, Massimo Franchi, has labeled him the Worst player in Fiorentina and in Serie A, a remark that has certainly generated discussion among supporters and analysts alike. Such opinions, while provocative, form part of the broader debate about Kokorin’s impact in top-tier European football and the challenges players face when adapting to new leagues and tactical setups.
From ARIS perspective, the ongoing dialogue about Kokorin serves as a focal point for evaluating the club s transfer philosophy and its ability to attract and retain proven forwards. The club has stressed its commitment to stability and growth, seeking to balance immediate on-field contributions with the long-term strategic plan. Kokorin s presence in the squad is part of a wider effort to raise competitiveness and attract fan engagement in Greek football as the season progresses.
For observers, the episode offers insights into how rumors circulate in the modern football ecosystem and how club officials manage expectations while protecting player welfare. It also underscores the role of media narratives in shaping perceptions of a player s value and potential fit within a team s tactical framework. In this context, Kokorin remains a familiar name whose career continues to unfold under the spotlight of European football and regional competition in Cyprus and the surrounding leagues.