Valery Novikov, a former goalkeeper for CSKA and the USSR national team, spoke about the struggles facing the red-blue squad on the eve of their clash with Krasnodar in the 13th round of the Russian Premier League. In a discussion with socialbites.ca, he described the team’s recent form as underwhelming and offered his assessment of the underlying causes behind the dip in performance.
He pointed out that CSKA’s scoring record remains a sore spot. Budding talent Chalov has shown flashes of form and carried himself with confidence this season, yet the team often finds itself with too few goals when game time runs down. This lack of end product in the final third—paired with a tendency to concede—suggests defensive lapses and gaps in game management. When opportunities do arise, chances are not always converted, and wasted openings slip away. The combination of a hesitant attack and a leaky defense creates a familiar cycle that flags the overall efficiency of the squad.
According to Novikov, the squad will approach the upcoming fixture with Krasnodar with a serious plan and a readiness to push for a positive result. He emphasizes that what CSKA needs is a more consistently aggressive striking option—someone who can capitalize on chances across most matches. While several forwards show intent and frequently pressure the opposition, the decisive clinical edge in front of goal has been missing. The absence of a dependable goal-threat alongside varied scoring attempts has become a notable issue for the team, according to his analysis.
As the match approaches, the stakes are clear. CSKA faces a Krasnodar side that currently sits top of the standings with a comfortable points tally, while the army team trails in mid-table. The game is scheduled to take place in Moscow in the evening, and the officials’ decisions on the night will add another layer of intensity. The alignment of strategies, finishing choices, and defensive organization will be under close watch as both sides seek to shift their positions in the table toward a more favorable outcome.
The observed leadership of Krasnodar in the league underlines the importance of converting chances and maintaining discipline at the back. For CSKA, the path to stability lies in sharpening finishing and tightening defensive duties, ensuring that a strong defensive line is complemented by a more relentless attacking threat. The upcoming 90 minutes could serve as a turning point for the club as it aims to reassert itself in the pursuit of the league’s upper echelons.
In summary, Novikov’s remarks highlight a straightforward truth: progress for CSKA depends on tightening the defense while injecting a sharper, more reliable goal threat into the attack. If the team can balance these elements, the road back toward the upper standings may become smoother, with every match offering a clearer view of the potential turnaround and what it will take to sustain it over the remainder of the season.