Former Lokomotiv Moscow player Manuel Fernandes spoke about his experience inside the club when Olga Smorodskaya was at the helm, revealing a challenging period during his tenure there. He described a time in his second season when his role was largely limited to Europa League appearances, despite being consistently ready for action. The dynamic inside the squad room could feel tense, with the fear of contract implications looming over players who missed a training session or failed to meet expectations. Fernandes, now 37, recalled how scrutiny extended beyond ordinary routines, and he felt watched during the build-up to sessions and friendly matches alike. He shared that occasional blood tests were conducted early in the morning before training, a practice that added to the sense of constant oversight among the squad.
The Portuguese midfielder spent five seasons in the Lokomotiv camp, from 2014 to 2019, contributing in 103 official appearances and helping the club compete across domestic and European campaigns. After his departure, he pursued legal action to seek compensation tied to bonuses that were reportedly unpaid during his time with Lokomotiv, a dispute that culminated in a claim for a substantial sum against the club. The case underscored ongoing tensions between athletes and clubs over compensation structures and the interpretation of bonus agreements within professional football contracts, a topic that frequently resurfaces in the sport.
Following his time in Russia, Fernandes joined Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, continuing his career in the country before eventually moving abroad. His journey then carried him to Asia, where he joined Sepahan in Iran, marking another chapter in a career defined by international moves and a broad exposure to different football cultures. Marking his travels through leagues in Russia and the broader region, Fernandes has remained a figure of interest for fans and analysts examining player careers across multiple continents.
Lokomotiv’s governance era, including decisions about how players are managed and how performance and attendance are documented, drew attention in the broader football community. The club’s actions and the treatment of squad members during competitive fixtures, including high-stakes cup ties, have been a part of longer conversations about the balance between club management and player welfare. Reports and discussions around this period reflect a wider industry focus on fair compensation, transparent contractual terms, and the rights of athletes within team structures, especially when dealing with bonuses and incentives tied to performance in cup competitions and league matches. The narrative surrounding these events continues to be revisited by sports commentators and legal analysts who explore the implications for player contracts and club accountability across leagues in Russia and beyond.