In recent discussions about his career move, Bulgarian footballer Lachezar Kotev, who joined Khimki from Arda in February 2023, emphasized that his transition did not draw any hostile or negative reactions. The midfielder indicated that the relocation felt straightforward and clear from the start, highlighting that he has visited Russia before, developed an affection for the country, and approached the switch with a calm, measured mindset. He spoke with sports24 and reiterated that there were no lingering criticisms aimed at him after the transfer, underscoring a personal sense of confidence and readiness for what lay ahead.
The transfer to Khimki occurred as the team prepared for a demanding phase of the season, with Kotev settling into a squad that had been deep in the campaign. His arrival was part of Khimki’s broader efforts to strengthen the midfield and bring in players capable of influencing matches amid a challenging schedule. As a former Arda player, Kotev brought with him experiences from Bulgarian football and a willingness to adapt to a higher tempo and more physically demanding league environment. This adaptation process, coupled with the club’s tactical plans, formed the backdrop for his early months with Khimki, where the focus was on integrating into new teammates and applying his technical attributes on the field .
In the wider context, Khimki’s season took a difficult turn. The club faced relegation pressure and ultimately fell short of the targets set at the season’s start, finishing near the bottom of the Russian Premier League standings. With one round left in the championship, Khimki trailed the teams above them and found themselves in a precarious position, attempting to close out the campaign with pride and a sense of rebuilding for the next steps. The final match of the season would take the team away from home, facing Pari Nizhny Novgorod, as they sought to conclude the year with a performance that could serve as a foundation for improvements in the following campaign. The situation highlighted the broader challenges Khimki confronted during the season and the pressure on the squad to demonstrate resilience in the closing fixtures .
Alexander Klyuev, who previously held a managerial role in connection with Khimki and oversaw operations related to midfielder Reziuan Mirzov, commented on the club’s strategic decisions after the season. He suggested that certain players might be moving on from Khimki as part of a wider recalibration within the squad, a common dynamic in football where coaching staff and management adjust personnel to align with evolving plans. The exchange underscored the realities players and clubs face when seasons end and the long-term direction for the team is clarified. It remained clear that any changes would be driven by tactical needs and the pursuit of stability and growth for Khimki in future competitions .