Former Krasnodar Player Weighs In on Berdyev’s Departure from Sochi
Former Krasnodar midfielder Maxim Demenko has offered his perspective on Kurban Berdyev stepping away from the head coach role at FC Sochi. He states that the decision appears less about tactics and more about the dynamics behind the scenes. Demenko notes that the speed and manner of Berdyev’s dismissal came as a shock, suggesting there may have been tensions with club management that influenced the outcome. He emphasizes that Berdyev’s arrival had been highly anticipated within the squad, and that the consequences of this move point to deeper, unseen factors. Ultimately, Demenko believes the full story will surface in due course, once all parties reveal their side of the situation.
According to Demenko, Berdyev’s short tenure in Sochi did not reflect a shortfall in playing ability or coaching instincts. The coach spent only a brief period in the dugout, and public explanations have left many questions unanswered. The former player hints at undisclosed subtleties behind the scenes, arguing that the decision is unlikely to be tied to performance on the field. He suspects that management decisions, or perhaps broader strategic clashes, played a decisive role and will become clearer as the situation develops.
News outlets confirmed that Berdyev has been relieved of his duties at Sochi. The coach’s appointment was made public at the end of December 2022, marking the start of a short chapter in which the team played five league matches and secured two victories. The change has drawn attention because it interrupted a careful plan to stabilize the club’s style and results under Berdyev’s guidance, leaving fans and analysts to reassess the project’s direction and future leadership needs.
In the wider Russian football landscape, Berdyev is recognized for his work with Rostov and Rubin, and for guiding Kazan to the pinnacle of domestic success. Under his leadership, Rubin Kazan claimed the Russian Premier League title twice and captured the Russian Cup and the country’s Super Cup on two occasions. These achievements solidified his reputation as a tactician capable of turning teams into title contenders, and they set a high bar for any future roles he might undertake in Russia or beyond.
Earlier, Berdyev spoke out about his second return to Rubin Kazan during a discussion with the Ministry of Sports in Tatarstan. The exchange focused on the strategic redesigns and long-term plans the club hoped to implement, underscoring Berdyev’s continued interest in shaping a club’s identity through disciplined play and strong defensive foundations. The period described reflects a persistent belief in Berdyev’s ability to rebuild and reimagine a squad around core principles that have defined his coaching career.