Yuri Nagornykh, the Chairman of the Board at Lokomotiv Moscow, stated that the club does not plan a full-scale restructuring of the RZD Arena. He emphasized a measured approach focused on enhancing the experience for the club’s supporters rather than a complete overhaul of the venue.
He explained that improvements will concentrate on the Cherkizovo arena itself, avoiding any talk of a total reconstruction. The plan centers on practical upgrades that address the needs of fans and players alike, with a clear commitment to maintenance and long term sustainability.
On the second floor, the club intends to upgrade sanitary facilities, improve living conditions, and add better protection against wind exposure. The leadership outlined a timeline of two to three years to complete these changes, underscoring that the location will remain the club’s home. Lokomotiv officials were explicit that moving to another stadium is not an option, reiterating that Cherkizovo is the club’s house and future home base.
Following the opening phase of the Russian Premier League season, Lokomotiv sits in 14th place in the standings. The team has accumulated 13 points through a record of three wins, three draws, and eleven defeats, reflecting a challenging start while underscoring the need for strategic adjustments across the squad and coaching staff.
In the opening leg of the Russian Cup quarterfinals, played on February 22, Lokomotiv was edged 0:1 by Spartak Moscow. The return leg is scheduled for February 27, presenting an opportunity for the team to respond and demonstrate resilience on home soil as they pursue advancement in the competition.
Guillermo Abascal, the former Spartak Moscow coach, remarked that his former team could have secured a larger margin of victory in the first Cup quarterfinal encounter, highlighting the competitive dynamics of the matchup and the potential for a more decisive outcome in subsequent play. His assessment reflects a broader view of the tactical balance between the teams and the importance of exploiting chances in knockout football.