A former head coach of Kazan’s Rubin and Rostov, Kurban Berdyev, has commented on the circulating rumors about a potential appointment with Tula’s Arsenal.
On June 6, news emerged from Kazakhstan’s Kairat stating that Berdyev’s contract with the club had been terminated. The announcement also indicated that his assistants — Dmitry Kirichenko, Ivan Danilyants, Eduard Kundukhov, and Andrei Matsyura — would be leaving along with him. This move signaled a notable shake-up in the coaching staff as Berdyev began to reassess his next steps in professional football.
Responding to questions about Arsenal’s leadership, Berdyev told DEA News that he was hearing the reports for the first time. He remarked that the speculation astonished him since he had no prior knowledge of any concrete plans regarding Arsenal’s future direction under his leadership. His comments underscored the uncertain nature of rumors in the football world, where speculation often runs ahead of official announcements.
Looking back at the most recent Russian Premier League season, Arsenal found itself at the bottom of the table, finishing in 16th place and facing relegation to the Football National League. Such a finish has historically sparked questions about the club’s strategy, project stability, and the kinds of managerial candidates considered for a revival move. Rebuilding a club after relegation typically involves a mix of experienced tacticians and new approaches to player development, financial planning, and sporting culture — all of which would be on the radar for any prospective Arsenal leader.
In the broader context of Tyumen region football, former Tula club manager Miodrag Bozovic had stepped down in the wake of the club’s relegation sweep, despite a contract that extended through 2023. Bozovic’s departure illustrates how managerial tenures in Russian football can end abruptly when teams face performance slumps, even with long-term agreements in place. Such transitions often prompt clubs to explore fresh tactical directions or leadership models aimed at stabilizing performance and rebuilding confidence among players, staff, and supporters alike.
Earlier reports had also connected Arsenal with Oleg Kononov, the former Spartak Moscow boss, as a possible future head coach. The ongoing speculation highlights Arsenal’s search for a leadership figure capable of translating potential into results, while also harmonizing the club’s development goals with practical resource management and competitive objectives. Until an official decision is announced, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders closely watching how the club will position itself for the next campaign.