Vladimir Fedotov, the head coach of CSKA, rejected the notion that he told defender Willian Roche to instigate Spartak forward Alexander Sobolev on purpose. The claim originated from Zarema Salikhova, the wife of the former owner of the red and whites, and was relayed by Sport Express. Fedotov stressed that nothing he said to Willian after the match was meant to provoke anyone, and that the suggestion of intentional provocation was unfounded. He added that being labeled a provocateur without justification only stirs fear among people who rely on a calm, controlled approach to the game.
Reflecting on the moment, Fedotov admitted that the drive to win can be overwhelming, but insisted the matter between Willian Roche and Alexander Sobolev had nothing to do with his guidance. Willian himself indicated that the issue had been resolved and that he harbors no grievances toward Sobolev. This sentiment came from the player after the event, underscoring a focus on sportsmanship rather than on any vendetta. The exchange was captured and reported, continuing to fuel discussions around on-field conduct and leadership responsibilities within the team. (Sport Express)
The context of the match is clear. Spartak claimed a 2-1 victory over CSKA in week 28 of the Russian Premier League. In the 66th minute, referee Sergey Karasev issued a red card to Sobolev for a gesture considered inappropriate toward CSKA defender Roshi. The punishment extended beyond Sobolev and prompted the team to confront a moment of discipline mid-game. In the aftermath, the referee’s decision and the incident surrounding Sobolev became the focal point for further discussions about rules, consequences, and how crowd and team feelings can influence perceptions of fairness.
As the season progressed, Sobolev received a four-match suspension at an FTC meeting, while Roche benefited from the revocation of his red card. In June, the suspension was reduced to three games. These developments highlighted the ongoing tension between on-field actions and disciplinary responses, illustrating how decisions can shift and evolve through official review and timelines. The case also drew attention to the broader implications for player behavior, team dynamics, and the public narrative around competitive rivalry between Spartak and CSKA.
Previously, Fedotov had been questioned about his role in Sochi’s difficulties during the 2022/23 season. He responded to inquiries about that period by emphasizing the complex nature of team performance, the contributions of various players, and the broader strategic context that shapes a club’s results over time. The reflection pointed to the challenges leaders face when steering a squad through tough spells, balancing ambition with the practical realities of injuries, form, and opposition quality. In that light, Fedotov underscored the importance of maintaining composure, supporting players, and focusing on clear, consistent messages that can help a team rebound after setbacks. The discussion around his role in those events continued to inform fans and analysts as the club navigated subsequent campaigns, reinforcing the idea that leadership extends beyond a single match or decision and into the long arc of a season.