Victor Mendez, a midfielder for CSKA Moscow, voiced high praise for the club’s mentor Vladimir Fedotov, calling him the best coach in the Russian Premier League. He did not mince words, noting the squad’s strong form and the flat-out confidence surrounding the coaching setup. The Mexican-born Chilean international emphasized that the team is cohesive and thriving, with a wealth of talent across the roster and noticeable progress in training and matches. This sentiment echoed through sports outlets, underscoring a sense that the squad is traveling well under Fedotov’s leadership.
“Is Fedotov the best Russian coach? Yes. I believe the team is in excellent shape currently, everything is clicking. We have a lot of players with real potential. We’re happy with how things have unfolded,” Mendes stated, reflecting on the team’s trajectory and the depth of the squad. The remarks were reported by Sports Express, illustrating the growing consensus around Fedotov’s impact and the squad’s performance this season.
Mendez joined CSKA in the summer of 2022 after spending time with Unión Española, a Chilean club, marking a notable step in his European career. Since 2021 he has been capped by the Chilean national team, contributing experience and versatility to the midfield. This season, he has appeared in 23 Russian Premier League matches and added one assist, showcasing his ongoing contribution to the team’s push among the league’s top contenders.
CSKA currently sits in second place in the RPL standings after 27 rounds, with 54 points on the board. The fight for the top spots remains tight, with a four-point gap separating the Muscovites from both Rostov and Spartak Moscow. The upcoming clash on May 21 will see Fedotov’s side face their arch-rival, commonly referred to as the red and white, in what promises to be a high-stakes contest that could reshape the table margins.
Meanwhile, veteran observers continue to weigh in on the tactical leadership within Russian football. Former Dynamo Moscow and Russian national team player Dmitry Bulykin criticized Spartak coach Guillermo Abascal after a post-match press conference following their 1-1 draw with Khimki in the 27th week of the Russian Premier League. Bulykin’s remarks added to a broader debate about coaching philosophy and the direction of the capital club as the season progresses.