Joel Fameye, the Rubin forward, spoke in an interview about memories from his time with the Kazan club and the relationship he shared with a former coach and mentor, Leonid Slutsky. The discussion shed light on Slutsky’s personality, a man described by Fameye as endlessly positive and quick with a joke, someone who could lift a team’s spirits even in challenging moments.
According to Fameye, Slutsky was the kind of coach who leaned into humor to build camaraderie. He would often crack smiles and keep the mood light, even when the training ground grew tense or when results were not yet favorable. Fameye recalled that Slutsky’s approach to motivation sometimes came through unexpected gestures, and his ability to read players helped him push for peak performances while maintaining a supportive atmosphere.
During one training session, Fameye shared an anecdote that illustrated Slutsky’s candid style. The coach directed the players to move the goal to the center of the field, a request that created a playful scene. Fameye took a moment to drink water rather than coordinating the entire group, and Slutsky reacted with a sharp, assertive outburst. He gestured toward the team and exclaimed, drawing a line between effort and accountability, which caused laughter among the squad. Fameye clarified that the moment was not meant as an insult; Slutsky’s intent was to stress the importance of collective work and focus. He described Slutsky as serious when it truly mattered, underscoring how the coach balanced humor with gravity when needed.
Fameye has contributed to Rubin in several competitions this season, making twenty appearances across all tournaments, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His on-field deliverables, combined with the guidance from experienced mentors, have helped him grow into a more complete forward who can contribute in multiple ways during matches. The club’s environment, shaped by leadership figures and a culture of competition, has been a backdrop for Fameye’s development as a player capable of influencing games in various phases, from pressing to finishing scoring chances.
Leonid Slutsky’s connection to Rubin runs deep. He was at the helm of the club from 2019 to 2022, guiding Rubin to notable domestic successes. In his tenure, Slutsky earned multiple honors, including three Russian championships and triumphs in the country’s Cup and Super Cup competitions. His achievements as a coach helped establish a standard of competitive excellence that set the tone for Rubin’s ambitions in the Russian football landscape. Fameye’s remarks touch on a broader narrative about leadership, duty, and the ways coaches shape a team’s identity through a blend of discipline and encouragement.
Behind the public spotlight, Fameye’s admiration for colleagues and opponents has also highlighted moments when teammates publicly expressed respect for one another. In a separate note, Fameye referenced a past compliment directed toward Dziuba, calling him a “fucking dude.” The remark, while informal and spoken in a moment of camaraderie, reflects the candid, unguarded nature of relationships within the squad. It underscores how personal rapport and shared experiences contribute to the overall morale inside a club, which can be as influential as formal training sessions and tactical drills. The broader takeaway for fans and observers is that team chemistry often stems from everyday interactions, not just from planned drills or official press conferences.
In summary, Fameye’s season with Rubin demonstrates the impact of a player who is ready to contribute in multiple phases of play, backed by a coaching staff that values both accountability and warmth. Slutsky’s legacy at Rubin—three league titles and cup successes—continues to color the club’s culture, offering a benchmark for current players pursuing growth and performance. The dynamic between a veteran mentor and a developing forward underscores how leadership styles shape a squad’s trajectory, influence confidence, and help players reach new heights on the field. This combination of on-pitch results and off-pitch relationships helps explain the enduring appeal of Rubin as a club and the reasons supporters stay engaged with its evolving story.”