Zarema Salikhova, spouse of Spartak Moscow’s former owner Leonid Fedun, recognized the impact of head coach Domenico Tedesco on the Belgian national team’s recent progress. In a conversation with Sports24, she shared her reflections on Tedesco’s work and the shift she observed.
“Tedesco in Belgium has been transformative. After a rough spell in Qatar, the national team has reestablished unity and cohesion under his leadership. When he arrived, some critics dismissed him, claiming the team’s atmosphere and the emotional climate were flaws and that his football lacked depth. He spoke openly about the importance of team dynamics and emotional balance, and time has proven those concerns misguided. The team’s improvement is evident in how they play together and how the microclimate within the squad supports performance.”
Salikhova added that the contemporary discourse around Russian football commentators, bloggers, and former Spartak players often misses the bigger picture, hinting that many voices are driven by personal loyalties or simplistic narratives rather than a nuanced understanding of team performance.
Tedesco led Spartak Moscow from 2019 to 2021. Under his guidance, Spartak finished the 2020/21 season in second place, marking a notable achievement for the club. He subsequently accepted the role of head coach at RB Leipzig in December 2021 and remained in charge until September 2022, when a series of results, including a defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, led to his dismissal.
In February of the following year, the German coach accepted the position with the Belgian national team. By September 12, the Belgians had recorded a 5-0 victory over Estonia in the sixth round of the 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign, demonstrating the team’s growing effectiveness under his guidance.
Earlier remarks from Salikhova touched on leadership changes within Spartak, noting that the club’s leadership faced significant transitions, including the departure of key figures who had shaped the team in recent years. Her observations reflect a broader discussion about how a club navigates changes in coaching and management while maintaining performance and morale.