Former CSKA Moscow coach Alexander Tarkhanov emphasized that the club must be in the medal mix when the Russian Premier League season ends. Without trophies, he suggested, the campaign’s outcome could be deemed inadequate. His remarks, cited by Euro-Football.Ru, frame CSKA’s current task in a broader context of ambition and accountability.
According to Tarkhanov, CSKA’s present position sits at eighth place, yet the gap to the top of the league is not insurmountable. He believes bronze should be within reach, noting that this squad has the quality to challenge for a podium finish. While Krasnodar and Zenit have built a cushion, the chasing pack has a renewed opportunity to close the distance. In Tarkhanov’s view, CSKA’s level and potential are sufficient to aim for third place, provided the team makes the right moves on and off the pitch.
During the winter transfer window, CSKA strengthened its roster with several new arrivals. Iranian defender Amir Rivandi and Algerian midfielder Sid Ahmed Aissaoui joined the ranks, alongside Russian forward Tamerlan Musaev. The additions signal an intent to deepen competition within the squad and add fresh options for head coach and tactical planning as the season progresses. There is a note about a St. Petersburg club having secured the services of Russian defender Danil Krugov, a transfer that could affect the summer window, as the player is set to join the team when the transfer period allows. This development is watched closely by CSKA’s staff and supporters as it may influence the dynamics of the league’s defensive setups in the latter stages of the season.
CSKA’s league campaign has stretched over multiple months, with the team compiling 28 points over 18 weeks and share of seventh place alongside Rubin Kazan. The focus now shifts to the 19th round, where CSKA will host Orenburg. The fixture is scheduled for March 2 at the VEB Arena, kicking off at 14:00 Moscow time. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how the squad translates training-ground improvements into match-day performance, and whether Tarkhanov’s perspective on bronze translates into concrete results on the field.
In the broader context of CSKA’s season, the club faces a critical period where strategic decisions, squad balance, and match-day execution will determine whether the path to silverware remains plausible. The combination of new winter signings and the management’s measured expectations suggests a deliberate approach to building depth while pursuing tangible outcomes in the league standings. Supporters are advised to monitor how the midfield and defensive lines adapt to evolving tactics and how the forward line leverages the newly added options to maximize scoring opportunities. The trajectory in the upcoming fixtures will reveal whether CSKA can sustain momentum and maneuver into the top three as the campaign unfolds.