Renowned Russian analyst Gennady Orlov labeled CSKA Moscow as the favorite for the clash with Spartak Moscow in the 11th round of the Russian Premier League, and he warned against dismissing Spartak’s Spanish coach Guillermo Abascal after a potential loss. His perspective is relayed by Sports Express, offering a clear view of the on-field tensions and managerial scrutiny.
Orlov dismissed the notion that Abascal should be fired if the result goes unfavorably. He described such talk as baseless rumor and noted the current climate of pressure on the Spaniard. Orlov suggested that Abascal deserves time to see the season through to winter, arguing that a measured approach would be wiser. He added that decisions could be reconsidered after the first half of the campaign, should results warrant it.
After ten rounds of the league, Spartak sits in sixth position with 16 points, while CSKA also holds 16 points but is placed eighth in the table. The upcoming match is slated for October 8 at the Otkritie Bank Arena, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 Moscow time. This confrontation carries implications for both clubs as they approach the midpoint of the season and evaluate where they stand in the title race and in European qualification contention [Sources: match previews and league standings].
Guillermo Abascal has been at the helm of Spartak since the summer of 2022. Under his leadership, the Red-Whites secured a bronze medal in the previous RPL campaign, highlighting a period of competitive resilience and ambition for the club [Club performance records].
Observers note that the core issue may not lie with Abascal personally but with Spartak as an ensemble. This perspective emphasizes structural aspects within the squad, including depth, consistency, and the ability to convert opportunities into points. The conversation surrounding managerial tenure reflects broader debates in Russian football about stability, development, and the expectations placed on a club’s leadership to sustain progress across a demanding season [Analytical commentaries].