Khimki submitted a formal complaint to the Russian Football Union after the dismissal of Moscow Region head coach Andrey Talalaev during the 23rd round clash with Samara Krylya Sovetov in the Russian Premier League. The club argues that Talalaev’s sending off, issued in stoppage time for an alleged incident involving a water bottle thrown onto the pitch, should be reviewed. Khimki is seeking a clear finding that the coach did not commit any action warranting penalization so that he can lead the squad in the upcoming fixture.
The match in Samara finished in a 0-0 draw, with Khimki pushing for an advantage but unable to convert chances as time expired. Looking ahead, Khimki is scheduled to host Torpedo Moscow in the home portion of the 24th round on April 22, continuing a campaign that has featured scrutiny of discipline and on-field conduct for the coaching staff and players alike.
Talalaev took charge of the Moscow Region side on April 11, signing a five-year contract. Reports suggest his annual remuneration sits around 2 million rubles, with the club outlining a substantial 48 million ruble penalty should the agreement be terminated prematurely by either side. The household name in Russian football, the coach has faced intense inquiries from fans and analysts about his long-term impact on Khimki’s performance and strategic direction this season.
Leonid Slutsky, a longtime figure in Russian football and former boss of CSKA and Rubin Kazan, offered an unambiguous assessment of Khimki’s current state. He characterized the Moscow Region club as struggling to find solid footing in the Premier League this season, highlighting ongoing performance concerns and the broader challenges the team faces in climbing the table. His remarks add to a wider discussion about consistency, recruitment, and the leadership needed to stabilize the squad in a competitive league landscape.