CSKA Moscow’s general director, Roman Babaev, reflected on the club’s early results in the Russian Premier League and offered a clear-eyed assessment of the season so far. His comments provide a snapshot of the squad’s trajectory and the work ahead for the campaign. [Citation: CSKA communications]
He acknowledged satisfaction with the outset of the season but emphasized that the club could have accumulated more points. There were matches where the result did not reflect the flow of play, including a contest against Lokomotiv where the team felt points slipped away. “There is a lot of work ahead of us,” Babaev stated, underscoring a pragmatic approach to the season as CSKA seeks consistency and momentum across matches. [Citation: CSKA communications]
In the recent league match on August 31, CSKA defeated Khimki near Moscow 2-0. Tamerlan Musaev opened the scoring in the 38th minute, with Moises doubling the lead in the 63rd. This victory added three points to CSKA’s tally as they prepare for the next challenge. The club is scheduled to host Zenit in the eighth round of the league on September 14 at VEB Arena, a fixture expected to attract strong attention from fans and analysts alike. [Citation: CSKA match reports]
During the off-season, CSKA made a notable change in leadership by appointing Marko Nikolic as head coach, following the departure of Vladimir Fedotov. Nikolic, who previously coached Lokomotiv in Russia, inherited a squad that finished the prior campaign with a solid, but not overwhelming, league position. Under Nikolic, CSKA has aimed to restore a higher level of performance and competitiveness, with the team recording a mid-table finish and gathering 13 points from seven rounds at the start of the current season. [Citation: Club announcements]
The broader context shows CSKA positioning itself as a contender in Russia’s top flight, with expectations naturally elevated by the club’s history and resources. As the season unfolds, observers will be watching for adjustments in tactics, player contributions, and how the new coaching philosophy translates into results on the field. The squad’s progression will be guided by the strategic plan laid out by the leadership and the coaching staff, as they balance development with the pursuit of strong league finishes. [Citation: Analyst previews]
Looking ahead, CSKA’s schedule remains rigorous, and the team will need to translate training-ground work into matchday performance. The coaching transition, combined with the competition level in the Russian Premier League, creates an environment where steady improvement matters just as much as immediate results. Fans and stakeholders will be keenly aware of how the squad adapts to challenges, maintains defensive solidity, and sharpens attacking efficiency as the season progresses. [Citation: Season outlook reports]