Head coach Vladimir Ivich of Krasnodar discusses European benchmarks and league progress
In an interview with Championship, the Krasnodar mentor offered a candid look at the players and tactics he studies from Europe, using a specific team as a model for his own squad. He highlighted the value of consistent principles and shared duties that unify a group into a cohesive unit, a hallmark he believes distinguishes top teams from the rest.
Among European clubs, Inter Milan stands out to him as a prime example. He described Inter as a team that operates with a single, clear identity. Each player understands their role within a fixed position framework, allowing the squad to function like a well-oiled machine. The coach noted that Inter relies on a 5-3-2 formation and has spent two to three seasons refining their approach under coach Inzaghi. He emphasized the ongoing improvement visible in their play and the tactical discipline that makes the system work in harmony. He praised the way Inter’s collective structure translates individual skill into a larger, coordinated effort, calling it striking to watch in both design and execution.
Through the first 18 rounds of the season, Krasnodar sits atop the Russian Premier League with 38 points, underscoring the effectiveness of Ivich’s leadership and the team’s tactical plan. In the 18th round, Krasnodar edged CSKA 1-0, a result that reinforced their position in the standings. Zenit St. Petersburg sits in second place, two points behind, while Dynamo Moscow holds third with 32 points. The balance among these clubs underlines the competitive nature of the league and the evolving style each side brings to the table. These results reflect the club’s ability to translate on-field organization into consistent results, a pattern Ivich has been cultivating since taking charge.
Looking ahead, the 19th round scheduled for March 2024 presents Krasnodar with a home match against Rubin Kazan. The fixture is watched closely by observers who want to gauge how the team adapts to different opponents and whether the prevailing form can be sustained as the season progresses. Ivich has repeatedly spoken about the need for focus, resilience, and continued refinement of both defense and attack to maintain momentum. The upcoming clash will test the squad’s depth and their readiness to execute a game plan under pressure, a measure of the squad’s character as much as tactical depth.
Earlier in the season, Arshavin attributed Krasnodar’s leadership in the RPL to a combination of strategic decisions, squad cohesion, and the ability to apply a consistent game plan across fixtures. That assessment aligns with Ivich’s emphasis on unity and clear roles within the group, reinforcing the view that stable leadership and a shared understanding of how the team should play can translate into results over the long haul.