Evgeniy Lovchev, the former Spartak Moscow player who also represented the USSR national team, weighed in on the challenges that a move to China might pose for coach Leonid Slutsky. He suggested that the Chinese football market is unique and that coaching stints there tend to be shorter, making long-term success harder to achieve.
Lovchev emphasized that in China, expectations are different and the pace of decision-making can be rapid. He warned that even a well-regarded coach could face an uphill battle if results do not come quickly, noting that patience is often in short supply and the appetite for fresh ideas can fade fast. In such a climate, a coach might not have the space to implement creative plans, and the focus remains squarely on tangible outcomes rather than long-term development.
There were reports that Leonid Slutsky would take charge of Shanghai Shenhua, with indications that Oleg Yarovinsky and Vasily Berezutsky would accompany him to the Chinese Super League. The plan involved them traveling to China before the end of December to begin their responsibilities. This move would mark another chapter in Slutsky’s managerial career, following a period away from top-tier coaching.
Slutsky’s most recent position was with Rubin Kazan, where he departed on November 15, 2022. Since leaving, he has not taken on a coaching role but has remained active in the public sphere, appearing on entertainment programs and offering commentary on football matches. His career has included notable spells with CSKA Moscow, Krylya Sovetov Samara, Hull City, and Vitesse, as well as a prolific run with the Russian army club as a player and coach. During his time with CSKA and the national team from 2015 to 2016, he helped the national team qualify for a major tournament in 2016, though they did not advance from the group stage in that edition.
Lovchev has previously explained why Slutsky might hesitate to pursue opportunities within Russia, citing factors that influence a coach’s willingness to stay within domestic borders. The discussion reflects broader themes about career mobility for coaches and the varying expectations placed on teams in different markets, from the pressure to win immediately to the practical realities of managing in leagues with different competitive landscapes.