Andrei Arshavin weighs in as Spartak struggles with Abascal and a tough schedule
Former Zenit and Russia national team star Andrei Arshavin has offered his take on Spartak Moscow and coach Guillermo Abascal, suggesting the Spaniard is a moment away from stepping down after a difficult run that included a heavy derby loss and back-to-back defeats. He spoke after watching the situation unfold on Match TV, framing the moment as a critical junction for the team and its leadership.
The essence of Arshavin’s assessment is that Abascal, despite his efforts, has not yet found a reliable formula for balancing Spartak’s midfield with the rest of the squad. The coach inherited a squad intent on rebuilding and adapting to a new system, but recent results have intensified questions about tactical harmony and player roles. Arshavin noted that the team has reached a point where the next few fixtures will be telling, emphasizing that two significant defeats and a challenging derby have left the club near a tipping point. The veteran player then pointed to a potential path back to stability: two wins in upcoming matches could reset momentum and restore confidence among players, staff, and supporters alike.
According to Arshavin, the key to turning things around lies in discovering the optimal combinations in the center of the park. Without a settled balance in the middle of the pitch, the team can struggle to control tempo, build attacks, and defend effectively. He underscored that squad rotation and tactical tweaks will be essential if Spartak is to translate talent into consistent results on the field. This kind of strategic adjustment would be especially critical in a league where rivals are prepared to exploit even small gaps in formation and pressing intensity.
Abascal took the reins of Spartak ahead of the 2022/23 season, bringing a wealth of coaching experiences from Europe. Before joining the club, he worked in Volos, Greece, and Basel, Switzerland, disciplines that impressed the Russian side enough to warrant a contract extension as the campaign progressed. Under his leadership, Spartak reached a competitive position in the standings, securing a third-place finish in the Russian Premier League in the prior season, a result that reflected ambition and a desire to compete with the league’s top teams.
Recent results have not yet crowned a similar level of consistency. On October 8, Spartak earned a 2-2 draw against CSKA in a Moscow derby that produced a lively exchange of goals and momentum swings. Milan Gajic shone with a brace, while Quincy Promes and Jesus Medina provided the other goals that kept the match in the balance until the final whistle. The draw kept Spartak in the conversation about what the club can achieve this season, but it also highlighted vulnerabilities that Abascal and his players must address if they are to secure a confident run toward European ambitions or domestic targets.
In more recent public comments, Abascal has publicly expressed trust in younger players, including defender Denisov, signaling a long-term project that relies on developing homegrown talent and integrating it with experienced veterans. The emphasis on youth, combined with strategic signings and a modern pressing approach, points to a coaching philosophy aimed at building a cohesive unit capable of adapting to varied tactical scenarios across competitions.
For fans and analysts across North America, the Spartak story underscores how leadership, form, and fixture congestion can converge to test even well-regarded coaches. The next fortnight promises to reveal whether Abascal can stabilize the squad, implement his ideas on the field, and translate talent into consistent results. If Spartak can take six points from upcoming fixtures, the club will demonstrate resilience and a clear path forward. If not, questions about strategy and personnel decisions will likely intensify, leading to broader discussions about the club’s direction and expectations for the season.
Overall, the dialogue around Spartak mixes respect for Abascal’s experience with a practical recognition that football at this level demands constant adaptation. Arshavin’s perspective adds another layer to the narrative: leadership is tested not just by talent, but by the ability to translate talent into sustained success through thoughtful midfield orchestration and timely tactical shifts. The road ahead will require clear communication, decisive action, and a continued focus on developing a balanced, robust squad that can compete with the league’s strongest sides while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.