Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA Moscow footballer, has voiced strong criticism of the army club’s current season performance in the Russian Premier League. He pointed to what he sees as serious shortcomings and stressed that immediate changes are necessary to avoid a deeper slide as the campaign unfolds. Ponomarev’s comments underscore a growing concern among observers about CSKA’s ability to compete at the top level this year, especially after a string of disappointing results that have rattled the squad and its supporters.
According to Ponomarev, CSKA is currently missing a crucial element in attack, with a striker missing from the lineup at a time when goalscorers can turn tight matches in a club’s favor. He described the team’s standing as far from ideal, noting that the club has slipped to sixth place in the table. That position, he argued, represents a poor outcome and a sign that the squad must re-evaluate its approach. The former player highlighted that CSKA has already accumulated a sizable gap to close and is facing a difficult path to climb back into the league’s top tier. He warned that simply hoping for a turnaround is not enough; decisive action is required to reverse the trajectory and restore confidence among players and fans alike.
In the most recent league match, CSKA settled for a 0-0 draw away to Rubin Kazan in the 12th round of the Russian Premier League. The result kept CSKA within striking distance of the upper part of the standings but did little to quell questions about the team’s ability to produce goals and win games away from home. The draw marked the club’s sixth stalemate from twelve league fixtures, a record that has intensified scrutiny from coaches, pundits, and supporters who are eager to see a more attacking and productive style of play as the season progresses. Looking ahead, CSKA are scheduled to face Krasnodar, the league leader, in their upcoming fixture. The match is set to kick off late in October, with local fans and international observers alike watching closely to see whether the team can capitalize on home advantage or whether the gap at the top remains a stubborn obstacle to overcoming this term.
Beyond the on-pitch discussions, there has been ongoing commentary about how foreign players are integrated into the squad and how their inclusion affects team dynamics. The current conversation reflects broader debates within the club about squad composition, tactical balance, and the development of younger players who could provide a longer-term solution to CSKA’s attacking needs. As the season progresses, the club’s leadership faces decisions that could shape the remainder of the campaign, influencing not only results but also the overall direction of CSKA’s project under the current management and coaching staff.