Reaction to Guillermo Abascal’s Arrival at Spartak Moscow
Fedor Chalov, the striker for CSKA, shared his initial reaction to the appointment of Guillermo Abascal, the former Basel coach, as Spartak Moscow’s head coach. The news came as a surprise to many in the Russian football community, and Chalov did not hide his astonishment when he learned of Spartak’s decision shortly after finishing a training session. The young forward recounted how messages flooded in from colleagues and fans alike, all asking what could be expected from the Spaniard who had just entered the Spartak fold. Chalov clarified that while he and Abascal had not shared the pitch since their Basel days, he could not speak negatively about the coach. Abascal is known for his tactical discipline and his ability to issue clear, structured instructions, traits that Chalov noted as promising qualities for Spartak’s system. The forward emphasised that only time would reveal how these attributes would translate on the field for the Moscow club (Sport-Express).
Guillermo Abascal was appointed at the close of the previous season to lead Spartak after the departure of Paolo Vanoli. The 33-year-old Spaniard had built a career in several European leagues, most recently with Basel, where he guided the team to a second-place finish in Switzerland’s Super League in the season prior. His coaching journey also includes stints with Seville, Chiasso, Lugano, Ascoli, and Volos, reflecting a varied background across multiple football cultures (Sport-Express). Such experience suggested a flexible approach tailored to different squads and leagues, an asset Spartak likely hoped would translate into momentum for the club in Russia (Sport-Express).
Abascal’s first appearance on the Spartak bench occurred on 9 July, when the team faced Zenit in the Russian Super Cup. The match ended in a decisive 0-4 defeat for Spartak, a result that presented an immediate test for the new coach and his plan for improving the team’s competitiveness in domesticcup play. Even in defeat, observers noted his readiness to implement ideas and press for stylistic change, signaling the kind of tactical groundwork he intended to lay for the squad going forward (Sport-Express).
Former goalkeeper and coach Anzor Kavazashvili offered his perspective on Abascal, expressing skepticism about the new appointment. His comments highlighted the divided opinions that often accompany a high-profile coaching change, underscoring the weight of expectations at a club with Spartak’s history and fanbase. The dialogue around Abascal’s approach reflects the broader conversation within Russian football about how foreign coaching methods fit into the domestic landscape and whether they can resonate with players accustomed to different training cultures (Sport-Express).