Defender Ilya Kutepov’s Future at Torpedo in Question as Season Ends
Torpedo head coach Yaroslav Savin discussed the possibility of defender Ilya Kutepov leaving the club when the season concludes. He acknowledged that Kutepov could depart the team, noting that several factors would shape any decision. Savin emphasized that although big-name players like Messi or Ronaldo might attract attention, their presence on Torpedo’s roster would not be guaranteed. The sports department, the technical committee, and the club president all weigh in, but the final call rests with the president, who cannot be swayed by personal preferences about who to keep. This was reported by Sport Express.
Kutepov joined Torpedo at the start of the season, signing a one-year contract. There was potential for an extension for another year if the club had remained in the top flight, but Torpedo’s relegation to the First Division changed the calculus for renewal talks.
Earlier in the season, at the end of April, Josep Clotet took disciplinary steps by suspending defenders Ilya Kutepov and Yuri Zhuravlev, along with captain Ravil Netfullin, from training with the main squad. Such actions underscored the club’s strict approach to on-pitch discipline and team cohesion, particularly during a campaign marked by struggle for stability and results.
Torpedo currently sits 27 rounds into the Russian Premier League season in the last position with 13 points. The club has secured a single win against Fakel and has suffered six defeats, a record that highlights the significant challenges faced on the field. The growing pressure around the squad has intensified speculation about personnel moves as the club looks to rebuild and reframe its squad for the next campaign.
In related news, former Torpedo goalkeeper Egor Baburin revealed fatigue over repeated own-goal penalties during matches. The admission sheds light on the lingering issues the squad has faced in defense and decision-making under pressure, offering context for the broader discussions about lineup stability and coaching strategy as the season winds down.