Maxim Demenko, a celebrated former national footballer who also wore the Spartak Moscow jersey, voiced surprise over the club’s recent decision and weighed in on the appointment of the 32-year-old Portuguese executive Tomas Amaral as Spartak’s sports director. The remark surfaced as a reaction to the club’s move and was shared with socialbites.ca, reflecting a mix of curiosity and skepticism about the new leadership choice.
Demenko candidly questioned the rationale behind naming Amaral to a role that carries significant influence over player selection, strategy, and day-to-day football operations. He noted that while the press and club sources had hinted at the possibility that Javier Ribalta, a respected figure with a strong track record, might take the post, the final decision landed elsewhere. The former midfielder asked whether the decision rested with the club’s executive leadership or with the head coach, Abascal. His assessment suggested that Spartak possesses a solid foundation and a roster of players who could contribute in different ways, yet he doubted whether Amaral’s appointment aligned with immediate competitive goals, especially since the team has not been participating in European competitions recently.
From Demenko’s perspective, the main question centers on what tasks Amaral is expected to tackle first. He implied that if Abascal had a clear, internal strategy for rebuilding or reorienting the squad, the hire might be understood. Conversely, if the decision reflected broader leadership preferences rather than a cohesive football plan, Demenko found it hard to comprehend the logic behind prioritizing Amaral at this juncture. In concise terms, the former player emphasized that the practicality of the appointment hinges on the coach’s intent and the club’s overall direction. The uncertainty surrounding these elements, he argued, makes the decision look less pragmatic than it could be.
Spartak’s management reportedly concluded an agreement with Amaral and with another figure linked to the club’s sporting structure. Reports indicate that Amaral weighed options between veteran football executives with ties to St. Petersburg and Zenit, and that he favored a methodical approach: assess the internal dynamics of the team before making sweeping personnel changes. Insider accounts also claim that Amaral supported a critique of the leadership structure that led to Guillermo Abascal’s removal as head coach, suggesting a preference for internal evaluation before implementing major shifts in staff. This line of thinking points to a philosophy that values a careful, inside-out assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and the cultural fit of any new appointment.
In related commentary, Valery Gladilin had previously argued that Spartak needed to bolster the presence of Russian players within the squad, a point that adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about how the club balances local talent with international expertise. The evolving narrative around Amaral’s role, the coaching staff, and the broader strategic goals continues to shape expectations among fans, analysts, and former players alike. The conversation underscores the tension that often accompanies executive changes in top-tier clubs, where every appointment is scrutinized for its potential to translate into better results on the pitch and a stronger, more cohesive locker room. (Source: club statements and press commentary)