Dinamo Makhachkala’s general manager, Shamil Gazizov, discussed the departure of Kurban Berdyev by mutual agreement in a candid exchange that highlighted the club’s decision-making process. Gazizov recalled the negotiation as a balanced resolution: Berdyev’s arrival came with a clear understanding of expectations and resources, and the club chose to honor a demand that reflected the coach’s stature. He emphasized that when a coach of Berdyev’s caliber joins, it is impossible to satisfy every wish immediately, and that the club’s approach was to reach a fair agreement on terms that suited both sides. The coach, Gazizov noted, accepted a modest financial package, and the resulting accord was framed as a mutual concession. He added that Berdyev’s sentiment at the moment matched this balance, and the parties left the negotiation on equal footing. Gazizov’s reflections were delivered in the context of a rapidly evolving season and a team navigating high expectations and competitive pressures. (Sports Express)
On February 1, Dinamo announced the end of the working relationship with Berdyev. The timing of this decision followed a period of leadership adaptation and strategic assessment, as the club assessed how best to align its competitive ambitions with resources and squad development. Berdyev had taken charge in July 2023, bringing extensive experience from his celebrated tenure at Rubin Kazan, where he earned multiple league titles and a domestic cup. His leadership at Dinamo was marked by a return to form for the club, as well as a demand for discipline, tactical clarity, and a strong work ethic from players and staff alike. The decision to part ways was framed as a mutual understanding, with both sides recognizing the need to recalibrate after a period of intense games and travel. (Sports Express)
Despite the coaching transition, Dinamo Makhachkala remained competitive in the league standings. The team held a 37-point tally after 20 matches in the First League, maintaining a comfortable position at the top as the season progressed. The margin of success was measured not only in points but in the resilience of the squad, the depth of the bench, and the ability of the coaching staff to implement tactical ideas under pressure. Nearby in the standings, Khimki trailed by a single point, and Akron by two, underscoring the tightness of the championship race. Dinamo prepared for a March clash with Sokol, a fixture that would test the team’s momentum and consistency as the campaign moved into a pivotal stretch. The overall narrative reflected a club that was evaluating options, preserving momentum, and seeking to translate strong performances into sustained results. (Sports Express)
Gadzhiev’s comments about disagreements with Berdyev had previously hinted at the evolving dynamic within the club during the coaching tenure. The conversations and decisions surrounding Berdyev’s departure underscored the governance and sporting strategy that guide Dinamo Makhachkala, including how leadership changes are communicated, how performance is evaluated, and how long-term goals intersect with short-term results. As the season pressed on, the club focused on stability, player development, and a clear plan for returning to contention at higher levels of competition. (Sports Express)