Timur Suleymanov, a forward for Lokomotiv Moscow, reflected on a rough start to the 2024/25 campaign, acknowledging the mental strain that comes with a goal drought. The 24-year-old striker did not net a goal in his first five appearances and spoke candidly about the challenge of finding his sharpness early in the season. His comments were shared in a post-match setting and later circulated by media outlets covering the club, highlighting the pressure players often feel to deliver from the outset of a new campaign.
“I began this season off target. I haven’t registered any personal tallies yet. My aim has been to open the scoring with effective plays, so I feel the need to find the back of the net at least once or twice”, Suleymanov stated. He described the mental fatigue that accompanies a slow start, noting how exhaustion can cloud confidence, but he remains focused on achieving his long-term ambitions with Lokomotiv. The remarks point to a player who is intensely motivated to translate his work rate into tangible results on matchdays and to prove his impact for the team as early as possible in the season.
Throughout the early part of the campaign, Suleymanov has been part of Lokomotiv’s plans as they navigated a congested fixture list. The forward’s absence from the scoresheet has coincided with a broader inquiry into the club’s attacking efficiency and the ways in which early-season performances shape the club’s momentum as the league progresses. He traveled with the squad for four rounds of the Russian Premier League (RPL), contributing to a strong start that saw Lokomotiv claim three victories against Akron, Akhmat, and Dynamo Makhachkala, while a setback came in a loss to Dynamo Moscow. This sequence helps frame his personal journey within the team’s evolving strategy and results, which are closely watched by supporters and analysts alike in the Russian top flight. (citation attribution)
Lokomotiv currently sits in third place on nine points, a position that reflects a mix of robust defensive work and an electric attacking unit when it clicks. The squad’s ability to grind out wins in close games has been a talking point among pundits, even as questions linger about the consistency of their goal scorers, including Suleymanov. The forward’s presence on the field continues to be a key asset as the season unfolds, with coaches emphasizing relentless movement and intelligent positioning as ingredients for breaking through opposing defenses. The club’s ongoing plan is to channel his pace and technical ability into sustained contributions, both in terms of goals and decisive assists, reinforcing Lokomotiv’s bid for a higher rung in the standings. (citation attribution)
In context, the early campaign has included moments that supporters view as turning points for the team’s trajectory. Earlier in the season, Akhmat had described a pivotal match in which timing and strategy aligned to create a critical turning moment, a narrative that resonates with Lokomotiv’s own recent fixtures and the pressure to maintain a high level of performance over a demanding schedule. For Suleymanov, this environment presents an opportunity to grow through adversity, learn from each game, and translate training-ground ideas into match-winning actions. The club and its fans remain hopeful that the forward will convert chances into goals sooner rather than later, advancing both his personal milestone and Lokomotiv’s broader ambitions for the campaign.