Ayaz Guliyev, the midfielder for Khimki, clarified that no physical altercation occurred with head coach Spartak Gogniev during a training session on March 9. He emphasized that the discussion between them centered on performance and instruction, not on any personal clash. Guliyev described the incident as misrepresented by some observers, calling the reports nonsense and exaggeration. What seemed puzzling to many, according to him, was not a conflict in the educational method or the coaching approach, but rather an unclear organizational moment that left players and staff alike unsure of what would come next. He stressed that the core matter was a procedural hiccup rather than a dispute over ideas or authority, and he urged people to focus on the footballing issues that affect the club on a daily basis.
Historically, Guliyev, Gogniev, and another Khimki teammate, Dmitry Tikhim, have been at the center of discussions in the Russian press. Those close to the club suggest that tensions surfaced after an episode in the squad’s locker room, while the broader reporting tied the episode to tensions around the team’s core roster and the discipline of staying in the training hall before team selections were made. Yet at no point did any of the parties involved acknowledge a personal feud. Observers who track Khimki’s season note that the club has faced a series of off-pitch distractions in addition to their on-field battles, all of which have influenced public perception of the squad’s cohesion.
As for the standings, Khimki entered the Russian Premier League schedule with 18 rounds behind them and found themselves languishing in 15th place, a position that places them directly in the relegation zone. The team had accumulated 13 points, a tally that reflects a campaign with its share of rough stretches and moments of resilience. The management group and coaching staff have consistently highlighted that the season remains more about improving consistency and building confidence within the squad than about one-off results. Fans watching the club have noticed gradual shifts in training focus and tactical emphasis as the team tries to stabilize performances in defence and transition play.
In other football developments, former agent Alexei Safonov offered insights into the future of Eduard Spersyan, the midfielder who spent time with Krasnodar. Safonov’s assessment touched on the potential pathways for Spersyan’s career, including considerations about development opportunities, league competition, and the strategic choices that would best align with the player’s strengths. The discussion underscored how a single season under varying coaching philosophies can redefine a player’s trajectory, highlighting the importance of clear development plans, timely game time, and the right competitive environment for long-term growth.