Yuri Nagornykh, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, discussed the future of Russian midfielder Dmitry Barinov in a manner that underscored Lokomotiv Moscow’s current stance and strategic direction. The leader’s remarks were carried by Sports Express and served as a clear signal that the club is prioritizing its existing plans and player development over any potential departures in the near term. In Nagornykh’s view, the club cannot entertain selling core players at this moment, emphasizing stability and continuity as the foundation for competing at the highest level in Russian football and in European competitions in due course.
Earlier, media outlets noted comments from Lokomotiv Moscow forward Timur Suleymanov, who signaled an ethos of resilience within the squad. In the wake of a period where several players exited, Barinov emerged as a captain alongside goalkeeper Ilya Lantratov, a duo recognized for steering the team through transitional phases and maintaining focus on performance and unity on the field. This leadership alignment reflects the club’s belief that seasoned players can help translate training-ground discipline into tangible results during matches.
Barinov’s roots lie in the railway workers’ system, and his career trajectory has mirrored the club’s emphasis on homegrown talent excelling in domestic competition. Across 220 appearances for Lokomotiv, he has contributed ten goals and seventeen assists, delivering value not only through attacking moments but also by linking play, organizing the midfield, and reinforcing defensive structure. This track record reinforces the sense that Barinov embodies the club’s identity and ambitions, with a history of delivering consistent performances in Russia’s premier league and domestic cups.
In recent Russian Premier League (RPL) action, Lokomotiv’s form has shown notable resilience. The team secured victories in four of the last five fixtures, defeating Akron, Akhmat, Dynamo Makhachkala, and CSKA with scores of 3:2, 5:0, 2:0, and 1:0 respectively. The lone setback came at the hands of Dynamo Moscow with a 1:3 result. This run of results has helped the club climb the table and reinforce its aspirations for a higher finish as the season progresses, while also highlighting the squad’s depth and tactical versatility in different match situations.
With the season’s momentum, Lokomotiv climbed to third place in the standings, accumulating twelve points. The position reflects a blend of disciplined defending, efficient attacking transitions, and the leadership core provided by Barinov and his teammates. The broader narrative around the squad centers on how the leadership group translates training-ground concepts into consistent performances during the pressure of league fixtures, Cup ties, and potential European competition qualification scenarios in the future.