Valery Masalitin, the former CSKA striker, weighed in on the departure of Jiri Yaroshik from the head coach position at Orenburg. In remarks to a sports site, the veteran analyst reminded readers that Yaroshik had limited success as a coach and was brought in on the recommendation of Czech expert Marcel Lichka, who had previously worked with Orenburg and took over Dynamo earlier this season.
Masalitin pointed out that the appointment was controversial from the start. Yaroshik did not build a track record of notable coaching achievements and came to Orenburg following Lichka’s suggestion. The decision carried risk, and Masalitin argued that the risk did not pay off. He noted that the team had just one point from a current league campaign that showed a lack of the offensive style seen under Lichka, leaving fans and critics to question the move.
The reasons behind the coach’s resignation, according to the analyst, are often framed as a health issue involving a young player. Masalitin suggested that this cover story may be used to obscure broader shortcomings by both the coach and Yaroshik. In his experience, coaching at this level can resemble a high-stakes gamble, with two job applications always pending: one to stay and one to depart. When results fail to materialize and team cohesion fades, swift measures become a plausible response rather than a surprise. The absence of a clear connection with the squad can accelerate such decisions, he added.
Yaroshik assumed control of Orenburg at the outset of the current season. During his tenure, the team played seven matches and managed a single win, a 2-0 victory in the Sochi Cup. In the Russian Premier League standings, Orenburg sits at the bottom with one point after five rounds, highlighting a challenging stretch for the club and its supporters.
What family circumstances were cited as influencing the resignation of the Orenburg coach remains a matter of discussion among observers, with multiple interpretations circulating around the club and its circle of insiders. As the season progresses, the focus will likely stay on how the squad adapts to new leadership and whether a different tactical approach can translate into improved results.