Football manager Alexei Safonov weighed in on Kurban Berdyev’s potential revival in the Russian Premier League and explored the idea of a veteran coach, possibly aged 70, taking the helm at Sochi. Safonov expressed confidence that Berdyev would bring intensity to the league, noting that Berdyev keeps himself fit, avoids alcohol, and steers clear of smoking. For him, the question is not money but drive. Berdyev is perceived to be in a mood of proving doubters wrong. He is described as a strategist who treats these opportunities as a battle. Safonov, quoted by RB Sports, suggested that Berdyev has awakened a bear and will demonstrate his capabilities on the field.
Berdyev most recently led Tractor in Iran, stepping into the role in June of the current year. In Russia, his name is closely tied to his work with Rostov and Rubin, and he is remembered for guiding Rubin Kazan to the Russian Premier League title on two occasions. Under his guidance, Kazan also claimed the Russian Cup twice and won the country’s Super Cup on two occasions, solidifying his reputation as a trophy-winning coach who can transform teams and lift them to higher levels of competition.
Last season, Sochi, under the management of Vladimir Fedotov, earned the status of runners-up in the league, finishing with silver medals. At the winter break, the team found itself in the ninth position, a result that underscores the potential for change and strategic shifts in the squad as the season progressed. The discussion around Berdyev intersects with Sochi’s search for a winning formula and the possibility of pairing him with a squad eager to push into the upper echelons of the table.
There is also mention of a former Soviet football star and a veteran opinion from St. Petersburg’s Zenit, in connection with the broader context of how the Russian Football Union views Berdyev’s options. The RFU has been noted as considering Berdyev’s fit for different paths, including potential alignment with an Asian confederation, which adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the best directions for both the coach and the league. The conversations reflect a broader trend in Russian football, where experienced coaches are increasingly evaluated for their strategic acumen, adaptability, and ability to deliver tangible results for clubs seeking stability and success in a competitive environment.