Vyacheslav Chanov, a former CSKA goalkeeping coach, discussed the birth of a dedicated academy alongside Igor Akinfeev, the club captain who also serves as a goalkeeper. The emphasis is clear: the core mission is goalkeeping training. The collaboration between a top-tier coach and a storied program is a deliberate choice to keep goalkeeping standards high and aligned with a professional mindset that captures the attention of serious bettors and analysts alike. The aim is not mere prestige but a sustained commitment to skill, discipline, and performance within a rigorous framework. (Citation: CSKA)
When asked about the academy’s purpose, Chanov explained it exists to safeguard the most cherished traditions once shaped by legends such as Yashin and other pioneering figures in Russian goalkeeping. He stressed that the Russian goalkeeping school has long stood among the world’s strongest, and that extending training beyond the CSKA environment would be unlikely. The academy is designed to integrate deeply with the club’s ecosystem, leveraging internal experience and a cohesive approach that comes from within the CSKA system. (Citation: CSKA)
Chanov has maintained a goalkeeping coaching role with CSKA on a non-continuous basis since 1995. Through his long association, he identified and nurtured several talents who rose to prominence with CSKA’s first team and the national squad, including Igor Akinfeev, Vladimir Gabulov, and Veniamin Mandrykin. In 2015, Chanov moved to the club’s infrastructure staff, stepping away from the army club structure a year later while continuing his career within the broader coaching framework. (Citation: CSKA)
Akinfeev himself is a product of CSKA’s own development system. He has appeared in 744 competitive matches for the club, a milestone that marks a career defined by domestic titles and continental glory. With CSKA, he claimed six Russian championships, seven Russian Cups, and European success with the UEFA Cup in the 2004/05 season. By 2023, he had logged two decades since making his senior debut, a testament to longevity and consistency at the highest level. (Citation: CSKA)
Earlier communications from CSKA touched on debates about Akinfeev’s role in recent fixtures, including questions about why he sometimes sat on the bench during specific matches such as the Dynamo game. These discussions reflect ongoing evaluation of squad balance, form, and tactical considerations within a club renowned for its deep pool of talent and a culture of meticulous preparation. The conversations underscore a broader, ongoing effort to optimize performance while preserving the core values of the club. (Citation: CSKA)