Valery Masalitin, a former CSKA Moscow forward, shared his expectations for the army club as the Russian championship resumes. He also reflected on how the team had appeared in the first half of the season, admitting that the initial phase left him with a less than favorable impression of CSKA’s football. His observations provide a candid snapshot of the club’s performance and potential as the season moves forward.
Masalitin conveyed that his hope for CSKA is to see the squad competing for trophy chances. He acknowledged that the campaign had its bright moments as well as its rough stretches. Injuries among players sometimes disrupted momentum, and at times the coaching staff’s decisions did not translate into consistent results. In his view, the team showed periods of solidity, yet the overall impression of the first half did not meet expectations. It was a season of uneven results rather than a steady rise, and that inconsistency stood out to him as the club approached the recharged portion of the calendar.
Looking ahead to the winter transfer window, CSKA strengthened its roster with new signings. Iranian defender Amir Rivandi joined the squad, along with Algerian forward Sid Ahmed Aissaoui and Russian attacker Tamerlan Musaev. These additions were intended to bolster options across the backline and attack, signaling the club’s intent to push more firmly into the fight for top positions. Alongside CSKA, St. Petersburg also pursued talent, with Zenit signing Danil Krugov who is set to become part of the squad as a free agent in the summer, subject to the usual registration and contractual timelines. Such moves reflect the high level of squad competition in Russian football as clubs recalibrate for the second half of the season.
As CSKA navigates the remaining rounds of the Russian Premier League, the team sits in the upper mid-table, having accumulated substantial points across the opening weeks. With 28 points from 18 rounds, the army camp found itself in a share of seventh place alongside Rubin Kazan. The upcoming fixture will see CSKA host Orenburg in the 19th round, a match that offers a clear test of the squad’s momentum. The game is scheduled to be played at the VEB Arena, with kickoff set for 14:00 Moscow time, a timing that aligns with the club’s domestic broadcast windows and fan engagement strategies. This clash represents a chance to measure progress, implement tactical adjustments, and demonstrate the collective resolve needed to climb the standings as the season progresses.
In reflecting on recent form and future prospects, Masalitin’s perspective underscores the idea that CSKA has the talent and potential to reassert itself among Russia’s leading teams. The path forward will likely hinge on maintaining squad health, optimizing lineups, and translating training-ground ideas into consistent performances on match day. The second half of the season promises a meaningful test, with the team aiming to convert moments of quality into sustained results and to deliver on the expectations set by supporters and the broader football community. As the squad works to maximize its strength and cohesion, the season’s trajectory remains open and filled with opportunities for strategic growth and competitive success.
Note: This summary reflects the assessment of a former CSKA Moscow forward regarding the club’s approach and recent moves, framed to provide context for fans following the team’s progress during the restart of the campaign.