Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national team and Rostov, has stated that he has not been contacted about taking over Spartak Moscow’s coaching role. The assertion came from a conversation with Sports24 and reflects his current stance on rumors linking him to the club.
“I have not had a relationship with Spartak for a long time. Will I connect? The question is not for me. They didn’t distract me with calls on the way to the signing ceremony,” Karpin remarked, indicating that no conversations about a switch had occurred up to that moment.
Historically, Karpin took the helm at Spartak Moscow in 2009 and quickly demonstrated his capacity by guiding the team to a strong finish in the Russian Premier League the following season, securing third place. His tenure continued with various transitions; he stepped away after the 2011/12 campaign, only to return toward the end of that year. The collaboration between Karpin and Spartak eventually concluded in 2014, marking the end of that particular chapter in the club’s coaching history.
Looking at recent seasons, Spartak had a different setup before the 2022/23 campaign, with Spaniard Guillermo Abascal leading the squad. Before returning to Russia, Abascal had gained experience coaching in Volos, Greece, and Basel, Switzerland, bringing a diverse stylistic approach to the club. Under his guidance, Spartak achieved a respectable third-place finish in the previous Russian Championship, signaling a competitive effort after a period of transition.
In the current campaign, Spartak sits in sixth place with 31 points on the table. In their most recent match cited, they were defeated 0–2 by Fakel, a result that underscores ongoing challenges in balancing offense and defense as the season unfolds. Such outcomes often intensify speculation about potential coaching changes or strategic adjustments as the club seeks to climb higher in the league standings.
There has been prior speculation about whether Spartak would consider Karpin for the head coach position. Those discussions have circulated within the broader football community, but as of now, the club has not moved to appoint him. The situation continues to develop, with fans and analysts watching closely how Spartak navigates its coaching options and roster decisions as the season progresses. In the wider context of Russian football, the club’s leadership remains focused on restoring consistency and challenging the league’s frontrunners while honoring the club’s traditions and expectations for competitive performance.