Former Russian national team midfielder Alexander Mostovoi criticized Spartak Moscow for failing to find the net in their last three league matches and mocked the idea that Guillermo Abascal should still be in charge. His remarks, relayed by RB Sports, underscored a wider debate about the team’s direction and results as the season resumes.
Mostovoi noted that while missing Promes adds pressure, it is surprising for a team with an attacking pedigree to go scoreless through three consecutive fixtures after the championship restart. He argued that the difficulty in breaking through should not be underestimated, yet questioned how Spartak could endure such a dry spell as April Fool’s Day approached. In his view, the decision to retain Abascal has already become a running joke among those following the club, highlighting a belief that the coaching choice had failed to translate potential into consistent outcomes.
Guillermo Abascal took the helm of Spartak before the 2022/23 campaign and quickly earned a contract extension as performance progressed. Under his leadership, the red-and-white side finished third in the Russian Championship last season, a result that brought cautious optimism to supporters and management alike. During the winter window, media chatter linked Abascal with Cadiz in Spain, suggesting that his name was being considered for other opportunities as well—an indication of the inconsistent narrative surrounding his tenure.
Since the league resumed, Spartak has struggled to convert chances. A goalless draw with Zenit was followed by a 0:2 defeat to Fakel, and another 0:0 stalemate with Ural. These results have intensified questions about the team’s attacking unit and tactical approach, especially in the absence of Promes who had been central to the team’s plans. The sequence illustrates a broader issue: scoring consistency remains elusive, and the squad appears imbalanced when attempting to impose its tempo against diverse opponents.
After the 22nd round of the Russian Premier League, Spartak sits sixth in the standings with 32 points. The gap to the top remains substantial, underscoring the uphill battle the club faces to climb back into title contention. At the summit, Zenit St. Petersburg holds 41 points following a draw with Krylia Sovetov Samara in the same round, illustrating the fierce competition at the summit. Krasnodar trails by a point, while Dinamo Moscow rounds out the top three after a 1:4 loss to Rostov in the 22nd round, a match that illuminated the volatility within the league’s upper tier.
This season’s narrative around Spartak has also included financial considerations. Reports from previous years highlighted significant losses, with figures frequently cited in the billion-ruble range. While the club strives to stabilize its sporting performance, the balance between budget discipline and competitive ambition remains a constant talked-about topic among analysts and fans. The current run of results adds urgency to any strategic recalibration, as both the squad and its supporters seek a clear plan to return to the club’s traditional status among Russia’s elite teams.
In the broader context, the league’s dynamics this campaign have reinforced the importance of depth, consistency, and leadership in guiding a team through ups and downs. For Spartak, the challenge is not only to address the immediate goal drought but also to reinforce a sustainable approach that can withstand injuries, suspensions, and the occasional tactical hiccup. The coming fixtures will be telling, offering a clearer picture of whether the club can convert potential into steady points and whether Abascal’s approach will evolve to better align with players’ strengths and the competitive demands of the Russian Premier League. As observers weigh the options, the focus remains on practical improvements, disciplined defense, and a renewed commitment to the attacking identity that has long defined Spartak’s legacy. (RB Sports)”