Valery Masalitin, once a forward for the capital club CSKA, shared his thoughts in an interview about the defensive lineup of the army team and the need to give Kirill Nababkin more opportunities to rest during matches. Masalitin believes that the defender is already feeling the toll of long 90-minute shifts and that periodic substitutions could help preserve his effectiveness over the course of the season.
According to Masalitin, the defense looked strongest at the season’s outset. Injuries hit key players—first Diveev, then Agapov—creating a temporary gap. While Nababkin managed to fill that space for a time, the veteran defender is now in a period where rest is warranted. He argues that a substitution should occur at least 15 to 20 minutes before the final whistle, allowing the team to recalibrate, prevent fatigue, and promote full recovery for future fixtures.
In this season’s Russian Premier League, Nababkin has appeared in six matches, but has not recorded any goals or notable attacking contributions. Masalitin’s assessment centers on the broader need to balance experience with fresh energy in the backline, ensuring that defensive solidity endures across the demanding schedule of the league.
The discussion around Nababkin’s workload reflects a wider view on squad management, where aging players provide invaluable leadership and reliability but may require careful rotation to maintain peak performance. Coaches are urged to consider the long-term health of key defenders while maintaining the unit’s overall cohesion and defensive posture throughout the campaign.
Additionally, the topic touches on the challenge of sustaining high-intensity play in the league’s early rounds. By managing minutes and implementing strategic rests, teams can reduce the risk of wear and tear, avoid unnecessary strain, and extend the productive window for veterans who remain crucial to the team’s structure and morale all season long.
Beyond Nababkin’s situation, Masalitin’s comments echo a broader principle in modern football: the value of intelligent rotation to preserve synergy among defenders and ensure that the unit can adapt to different tactical demands and opposition styles as the season unfolds. The focus remains on maintaining a solid foundation at the back while preserving the elements of experience and leadership that seasoned players bring to the squad, especially in high-stakes matches where defensive organization matters most. (Citation: Masalitin’s remarks reported in a contemporaneous interview.)