Former Lokomotiv Moscow goalkeeper Ilya Abaev weighs in on Krasnodar’s goalkeeping decisions
Ilya Abaev, who previously guarded the net for Lokomotiv Moscow, shared insights on Krasnodar’s current goalkeeping situation. He suggested that Stanislav Agkatsev, the club’s second-choice shot-stopper, should actively consider his future and how best to advance his career.
Abaev noted that Matvey Safonov remains Krasnodar’s clear first-choice goalkeeper, having recently extended his contract through 2029. With Safonov firmly anchored as the starter, the path for Agkatsev requires thoughtful planning and proactive steps. Abaev emphasized the importance of evaluating all viable options, especially for a goalkeeper aiming to establish himself as a regular contributor to a top-tier team.
According to Abaev, if Agkatsev has valuable ideas, he should weigh them carefully. He suggested exploring opportunities ranging from staying within the Russian Premier League to seeking experiences at clubs at different levels, including lower-tier clubs associated with Krasnodar. The proposed approach is to take concrete actions, demonstrate capability, and consider going on loan to gain tactical and competitive minutes before making any long-term decisions.
Safonov, a Krasnodar academy product, has appeared in 18 Russian Premier League matches for the Bulls this season, conceding eight goals across those appearances. Agkatsev, who also trained at Krasnodar’s academy, saw playing time in seven matches during the 2023/24 season and conceded 11 goals. On January 18, news emerged that Sochi showed interest in the 22-year-old keeper, highlighting the market demand for emerging talents from Krasnodar’s system.
After the first half of the season, Krasnodar sat at the top of the standings with 38 points. Vladimir Ivich’s squad is set to face Rubin Kazan in the 19th round, which is scheduled for March. This fixture will be another critical test for the Bulls as they navigate the season and plan for the future between Safonov’s continued dominance and Agkatsev’s development trajectory.
Earlier, Lovchev also talked about a potential transfer move, suggesting that a player from the Russian Premier League could be recruited by Spartak. The ongoing discussions underscore the broader theme of how big clubs manage upcoming talents and plan for succession at key positions, particularly in goalkeeping where a single decision can influence a team’s stability for years to come.