Former CSKA Moscow forward and USSR national team member Vladimir Ponomarev spoke about the team led by Vladimir Fedotov and its prospects for the 2023/24 season in an interview with a correspondent from socialbites.ca. He observes that the red and blue squad is talented enough to push Zenit St. Petersburg for the top spot in the Russian Premier League.
Ponomarev notes that CSKA has a realistically durable roster, capable of relying on every player. He points out that the attack could benefit from additional firepower similar to what Zenit has, and he would welcome strengthening the offensive line for CSKA to better match the competition in St. Petersburg.
According to him, Zabolotny is a versatile contributor who can suffer through injuries, deliver precise crosses, score with his head, and adapt when needed. Chalov, on the other hand, is a smart and aggressive striker with an accurate shot. Together, they form a complementary duo that bolsters the team’s attacking options.
Peter, with a stronger frontline and creative players, poses a tough matchup. If CSKA had not pushed their ambitions so far, they would be contesting for first place as well. Ponomarev believes that in the 2024 season CSKA will mount a serious challenge for the championship, rivaling Zenit rather than merely chasing them, as reported by socialbites.ca.
Historically, Zenit, under Sergey Semak, secured the Russian championship for the fifth consecutive time after the 2022/23 campaign. CSKA finished second, while Spartak Moscow completed the top three for that season. Earlier reports mentioned that Boris Ignatiev, a former coach of the Russian national team, labeled Torpedo and Khimki as among the season’s disappointments in the Russian Premier League.
In summary, the conversation highlights CSKA’s depth, potential tactical tweaks, and the belief that the club can challenge Zenit at the summit in the near future. The assessment reflects a nuanced view of the league dynamics and the evolving strength of Russia’s top clubs, with the overall sentiment that CSKA is poised for a more competitive campaign ahead. [citation: Socialbites.ca]