Former goalkeeper of the Russian national squad and Lokomotiv, Ruslan Nigmatullin, predicted that Guillermo Abascal will soon depart his role as Spartak Moscow’s head coach. His remarks were quoted by Metatations.
According to Nigmatullin, Abascal is likely to leave Spartak during the winter break. He noted that removing a coach in the middle of a season can be technically messy because assistants and staff would need adjustments and penalties might be involved for the club.
The era in which coaches could simply resign after a string of unsuccessful results and ride off into the sunset with dignity seems to have faded. The former goalkeeper argues that foreign managers now face a tougher reality, with dismissal being a real possibility rather than a distant option. Nigmatullin’s comments offer a candid take on the current volatility of coaching roles in top Russian football. (Metatations)
Abascal was appointed head coach of Spartak before the 2022/23 campaign. During his time with the team, he extended his contract and received a salary increase as the season progressed. In his first season at the helm, the Red-Whites finished third in the Russian Premier League, signaling a competitive performance and steady progress under his leadership. (Metatations)
At present, Spartak sits in a tie for sixth place with Lokomotiv, both clubs on 21 points after 14 rounds in the Russian Premier League. The next league fixture for Abascal’s squad is a clash with Rostov, a match that represents a crucial test as the season unfolds. So far this campaign, Spartak has suffered five defeats across 14 matches, underscoring the fragility and inconsistency that can influence coaching tenure in this league. (Metatations)
Valery Gazzaev had previously highlighted a defining feature of Abascal’s approach, noting the tactical and stylistic elements he brings to the team. (Metatations)