Dinamo Moscow’s head coach, Marcel Licka, laid out the details of a dispute with player Denis Makarov during the 2023/24 season. The coach explained the situation plainly, with emphasis on performance and commitment. Makarov was reportedly upset, yet the coach kept a calm stance. What stood out was a specific on-field absence: Makarov spent about 20 minutes on the pitch without contributing to the team’s efforts, a point that Licka framed as a matter of attitude toward the game. This distinction between emotion and action became a tipping point in the discussion about his role on the squad.
As a result, Licka decided to give Makarov ten days off to reflect on his approach and how he envisioned his future with the team. The coach made it clear that the door remained open but that expectations would be reassessed. When the player returned, Licka stated that he welcomed him back without hesitation, underscoring that Makarov is a talented athlete who could still contribute visibly if his work ethic aligned with the team’s needs.
Earlier in October 2023, Makarov faced a training suspension after management expressed concerns about his conduct. The disciplinary measure meant that he missed a series of competitive matches, affecting both his rhythm and the club’s rotation plans. This period highlighted the challenges in balancing personal motivation with the demands of professional football at the top level.
Denis Makarov joined Dynamo in 2021 after transferring from Rubin Kazan to the Moscow club. In the current Russian Premier League season, he appeared in 15 games and managed to score three goals, providing a glimpse of his potential when fully engaged. His contract with Dynamo runs through the summer of 2026, reflecting the club’s long term interest in his development and his value as a goal threat from midfield or forward positions.
In related coverage, remarks were made by a former coach about a separate clash involving Jikia and Abaskal, indicating that dissent and friction within squads can occur across different groups. These reports illustrate a broader pattern in team dynamics where conflicts involve personal temperament, tactical expectations, and leadership decisions, often prompting management to intervene to preserve cohesion and performance on the field.