A Medya Football League coaching duo is coordinating from the sidelines as the squad prepares to face a national squad built from First League players. The arrangement reflects a shared decision-making approach, with deliberate collaboration guiding every move. Initially, one coach suggested entrusting the final call to Igor Zvezdin, a stance that was complemented by ongoing dialogue and the expectation that Shamil Kurbanov can continuously contribute his insights. Like Alan Maratovich, Kurbanov stands ready to assist in any capacity, reinforcing a culture where experience is pooled for the team’s benefit. The two coaches, including Gatagov, maintain close contact to align on preparation, training plans, and strategic direction. The preparation routine remains steady, with conversations taking place before each training session to calibrate the plan for the day.
Kurbanov expressed enthusiasm about working alongside Zvezdin, recalling that in their fourth season they functioned as a two-coach unit with clearly defined football philosophies. He welcomed the opportunity to learn from Zvezdin and suggested that Zvezdin could gain new perspectives through their joint experiences. The synthesis of two coaching styles is described as engaging, a bit unconventional, but highly effective in readying the team to face an opponent whose exact approach is not fully known. The only concrete information centers on the players and the visiting coach, rather than exhaustive tactical reports that try to predict every move.
The upcoming match pits the Medya Football League squad against the First League team at Anzhi Arena in Makhachkala on December 1. The MFL lineup is steered by Igor Zvezdin of Broke Boys and Shamil Kurbanov of Titan, with support from Alan Gatagov of FC Bas. The First League contingent will be guided by Vitaly Kaleshin, a former Akron coach who brings a wealth of top-tier experience to the encounter.
A recent Europa League showing by a former Russian player underscores the continuing level of talent involved in European competition, illustrating the depth of experience that feeds into both teams as they prepare for their clash.