Former Moscow football figure Evgeny Lovchev, who once wore Spartak colors, used a public channel to deliver pointed remarks about defender Alexis Duarte following the seventh round clash with Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League. Lovchev argued that Duarte’s performances have taken a toll on Spartak’s results and morale, asserting that the veteran defender had ample chances to prove his value yet continued to struggle. He suggested that the squad should acknowledge Duarte’s difficulties and consider giving more minutes to other players who are showing stronger form as the season progresses.
According to Lovchev, Duarte has become a recurring source of problems for Spartak, turning what should be a solid defensive line into a fragile unit on match days. The critic contended that the team bears the consequences of defensive missteps, noting that a sequence of unstable performances culminates in unfavorable results. He emphasized the broader impact on the squad and urged rethink of selections to reflect the evolving strengths of available defenders.
Lovchev also referenced the club’s decision to bring in Babich, a player who flashed potential in his debut, though his footwork raised questions. The message stressed that the immediate focus should be on players who demonstrate consistency and reliability at the back, rather than clinging to those who may not yet be ready for regular minutes. The idea was to prioritize effective contributions over loyalty to past reputations.
The transfer of Duarte, 23, from Cerro Porteño in Paraguay to Spartak occurred in January, and the ongoing discussion centers on how well he is adapting to life in a demanding league and under the pressure of a high-profile club. It highlights the broader challenges of integrating foreign talent into a competitive environment and managing expectations after a move from one footballing culture to another.
In the September 2 away match against Krasnodar, Spartak fell to a 0-2 defeat. John Cordoba opened the scoring in the 39th minute, with Eduard Spertsyan sealing Krasnodar’s advantage later in the game. The loss added to an early-season tally of setbacks as Spartak sought cohesion at both ends of the pitch and looked to stabilize after a rocky start.
Following the game, Spartak sat in eighth place with ten points, a reflection of two defeats and one draw through the opening rounds. The situation underscored ongoing discussions about squad depth, tactical balance, and the psychological effects of recent results on players and coaching staff alike. The early standings become a lens through which analysts examine how the team can optimize defense, midfield structure, and attacking options to restore confidence and consistency throughout the campaign.