Famous football analyst Gennady Orlov discussed decisions made by Spartak Moscow head coach Guillermo Abascal on a recent episode of the YouTube program Such Football. Orlov critiqued the selection of Theo Bongonda for the fifth round of the Russian Premier League, where Zenit triumphed 3-1 in Moscow. The pundit highlighted how Bongonda, who had looked strong in earlier matches, was not included in the top 11 or did not find a consistent role in the game, prompting questions about lineup confidence and tactical cohesion.
Orlov remarked that the team appeared unsettled at times, pointing to a perceived disconnect between the players on the field and the strategic plans of the coach. He noted Bongonda’s prior contributions and suggested that captains of the home team should feel a clear role in the matchday setup. The critique centered on whether there was a misalignment between talent and the on-pitch responsibilities, with Orlov underscoring the value of lineup clarity for building team momentum. .
The Moscow game, played on August 20, ended with Zenit ahead 3-1. Wendel, the Brazilian midfielder, produced a brace, while Mateo Cassierra, the Colombian forward, added another goal. Alexander Sobolev converted a penalty for Spartak, but the comeback was not enough to overturn the result. The match added another chapter to the season’s early narrative for both teams and reignited discussions about the relative strength of Zenit and Spartak in the current campaign. .
Guillermo Abascal has been in charge of Spartak since the summer of 2022. Under his guidance, the club faced a narrow defeat in the Super Cup against Zenit and entered the 2022/23 Russian Premier League season amid intense expectations. In that season, Zenit St. Petersburg and CSKA Moscow also remained top contenders, with Spartak finishing among the league’s top trio after the early rounds. .
As the current campaign unfolds, Spartak has accumulated nine points from five rounds, yielding three wins and two losses and placing the team mid-table. In the Russian Cup group stage, Abascal’s squad secured two wins from the initial rounds, signaling some positive momentum but also areas for improvement as the calendar moves forward. .
What explains Spartak’s recurring on-field challenges and the frequent calls for adjustment in rotation and personnel? That question remains a common thread in discussions among pundits, fans, and analysts who track the club’s trajectory. The debate around lineups, tactical flexibility, and player roles continues to influence perceptions of the team’s prospects this season. .