Alexander Tarkhanov, a former coach of Ural, sees Akron Togliatti’s core strength as a combination of capable leadership and capable players. The essence of Akron, according to Tarkhanov, lies in the quality of both the squad and the man steering them. He believes the team should be contending for a top spot in the Russian Premier League and not languishing near the bottom of the standings. The explanation offered is that the coach joined the campaign a little later than ideal, which could explain a slower start to the season. Since then, Akron has found better footing in the championship and has performed respectably in the Russian Cup, displaying the kind of resilience that Tarkhanov associates with an improving side.
Recent results have reinforced the assessment. Akron edged Moscow Spartak 2-1 in Zhigulevsk on a midweek fixture, a win that highlighted the team’s growing confidence and tactical organization. In the first half, a critical moment arose when Spartak’s forward Keita Balde failed to convert a penalty, an opportunity that could have altered the game’s dynamics. Akron pressed forward and forced two decisive chances against Alexander Maksimenko within a five-minute window, with both Dear Andres Ponce and Nikita Saltykov threatening the goal. The late stages saw Tomas Tavares win possession and apply the finishing touch that sealed the victory for Akron, underscoring the team’s late-game persistence and ability to capitalize on key moments.
The current campaign has not been without challenges, yet Akron has demonstrated they can compete against notable opponents. Their path through the season has included victories over established clubs such as Dynamo, Lokomotiv, Spartak, and Torpedo in previous rounds, signaling a developing level of consistency and a growing belief within the squad. Such results contribute to the perception of Akron as a squad on the rise, capable of turning matches in their favor thanks to disciplined defense, measured creativity in attack, and the timely contributions of players who have stepped up when needed.
Placement-wise, Akron sits in the middle region of League One, currently occupying 12th place with a tally of 35 points after 27 rounds. This standing reflects a season of uneven performances and a program in transition, yet it also hints at potential upside. The club’s trajectory suggests a momentum shift rather than a simple fluctuation, with Tarkhanov’s observations aligning with broader evaluations from analysts who see room for improvement through continued development of the squad and a steady coaching philosophy.
Former coach Fedor Shcherbachenko has commented that Akron’s defeat of Spartak was a painful blow to the aspirations of other clubs connected to Abaskal’s plans. That defeat, coming at a time when ambitions across the league are high, highlighted Akron’s capacity to disrupt established expectations and complicate the race for higher positions. The implications of that result extend beyond a single match, signaling a shift in how Akron is perceived by rivals and supporters alike. It points to a team that is increasingly able to execute a game plan against tougher opponents and to respond with resolve when pressure builds in important periods of play.