Artur Olenin confirms Krivtsov remains in Krasnodar’s main squad amid circulating rumors
Artur Olenin, the head coach of Krasnodar, spoke plainly about the rumors surrounding defender Nikita Krivtsov, making it clear he remains a core member of the first team. Krivtsov is not punished or sidelined. Olenin indicated any confusion about the player’s status stemmed from misinterpretations within the club and urged supporters and observers to await official communication before drawing conclusions. The takeaway is straightforward: Krivtsov stays with the primary squad and will not be demoted to a lower tier.
Earlier reports cited by Sport24 referenced an unnamed source alleging Krivtsov had been reassigned to the Bulls reserve squad due to a discrepancy in a recent club interview. With fixtures looming, questions about his position in Krasnodar’s lineup circulated, but the club’s leadership and coaching staff did not publicly confirm any such move.
In the Russian Premier League clash against Rostov, Krivtsov started and played for seventy-nine minutes, contributing meaningfully as Krasnodar pressed for victory. The match finished two goals to nil, with both goals scored by Bulls midfielder Eduard Spertsyan in the sixteenth and seventy-seventh minutes, underscoring Krasnodar’s attacking efficiency and disciplined defense on the day.
Following the win, Krasnodar rose to second place with eighteen points from eight rounds, sharing the spot with Lokomotiv Moscow and trailing Zenit St. Petersburg, who led with twenty points. The early-season consistency has positioned Krasnodar as a viable challenger for a top finish, with coaches and players focused on sustaining momentum for the remainder of the campaign.
Looking ahead, Krasnodar is scheduled to travel to Akron for the ninth round of the RPL, with kickoff set for September 21 at 14:00 Moscow time. The upcoming match will test Krasnodar’s resilience against a squad aiming to rebound from recent results. Strategic preparation, squad depth, and tactical discipline will play crucial roles as the team works to extend its unbeaten run and climb the table further.
Meanwhile, questions linger about the causes of earlier losses and what those performances reveal about the team’s approach against key opponents. In these moments, clear communications from club officials and credible reporting remain essential to keep fans informed and to prevent the spread of unverified narratives. The focus stays on performance, unity, and a steady effort to deliver results consistently.