Gazzaev Criticizes Abascal Over Frequent Midfield Shuffles as Spartak Faces Krasnodar Setback
Valery Gazzaev, the former head coach of CSKA and the Russian national team, voiced sharp critique of Guillermo Abascal, the manager of Moscow’s Spartak, for continually altering the team’s midfield combinations. In a candid assessment published by Sport Express, Gazzaev argued that Abascal is weighing too many options instead of settling on a clear, effective core to support both defense and attack. He pointed to the current lineup as a missed opportunity to establish balance that can translate into consistent results on match days. Gazzaev emphasized the importance of a stable middle block and warned that uncertainty about the next round’s setup can undermine performance and confidence alike.
According to Gazzaev, Spartak has at its disposal a strong central pairing in Litvinov and Zobnin, paired with potential upgrades such as Prutsev to create a mobile, versatile midfield. He described this trio as a solid foundation for a modern center zone that can contribute to both phases of play. Yet the analyst argued that Abascal keeps searching for the perfect combination rather than trusting a proven configuration, which could hinder the team’s ability to press, recover, and link up play effectively during crucial moments.
The team’s recent results added fuel to the debate. In the seventh round of the Russian Premier League, Spartak suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Krasnodar. John Cordoba opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Eduard Spertsyan sealed the three points for Krasnodar with a goal in the 84th minute. The loss left Spartak on 10 points after seven rounds, dropping them to ninth in the standings. The next fixture is slated for September 16 against Sochi, with a 19:00 Moscow time kickoff. The gap between potential and performance is a talking point for fans and pundits alike as the team prepares to respond on the pitch.
Abascal has led Spartak since the summer of 2022. During his tenure, the squad hosted the 2022 Russian Super Cup match at Zenit St. Petersburg and finished third in the 2022/23 Russian Premier League season, a result that allowed Zenit and CSKA to assume the top positions. This season has carried the weight of expectations as supporters look for a more consistent and confident display under his guidance. The ongoing evaluation of tactical decisions, including midfield selection and pressing intensity, remains a central topic in discussions about Spartak’s trajectory.
There was also chatter about the club’s broader management history. It has been noted in media outlets that Spartak’s former ownership faced notable discussions surrounding asset dispositions, including the sale of a yacht for a substantial sum. While such off-field matters attract attention, the focus for the club remains on building unity and clarity on the field, aligning personnel decisions with a clear football philosophy, and delivering better results for supporters. As the season moves forward, the expectations for Spartak are to translate potential into measurable progress on the scoreboard and to establish a stable core that can perform consistently against strong opponents. This ongoing conversation about strategy, personnel, and performance mirrors a wider debate across the league about how teams balance experimentation with the need for reliable, on-field identity. The club’s narrative continues to unfold as fans and analysts watch for signs of a more cohesive and productive approach under Abascal’s leadership, with each match offering new data about what works best for the squad. The hope is that the midfield, defense, and attack will converge into a more fluid system that yields results and secures a more favorable standing in the table.