Former Zenit and Russia defender Vladislav Radimov comments on a slump in form and squad dynamics at Spartak Moscow
Vladislav Radimov, a former player for St. Petersburg Zenit and the Russia national team, asserted that a lapse in attention occurred between Spartak Moscow defender Georgiy Dzhikia and head coach Guillermo Abascal, a misstep that, in Radimov’s view, contributed to Dzhikia losing a place in the starting lineup. His remarks were relayed by RB Sports.
Radimov noted that if Dzhikia had kept his form and fitness at a peak level, he would have been a regular starter. Instead, it appears that Dzhikia began to show a distant attitude toward Spartak and the training process, not putting up a fight for his place in the squad. If the defender wants to play more, Radimov suggested, a move away from Spartak could be the best option, with Lokomotiv Moscow presented as a viable alternative.
Georgiy Dzhikia joined Spartak Moscow in 2017. During his time with the club, he helped secure a domestic league title and a Russian Cup. Over the current season, he has appeared in only six of the 17 possible Russian Premier League matches, and his contract with Spartak is set to expire in June 2024. At the close of 2023, it was publicly confirmed that Lokomotiv Moscow had shown interest in acquiring the defender.
Dzhikia has represented Russia at the international level since 2017, earning 44 caps for the national team. His prolonged service underscores the level of expectation tied to his career and the attention drawn to his current role within Spartak’s squad.
Spartak Moscow stood fifth in the Russian Premier League after 18 rounds, having accumulated 30 points. In the 18th round, Guillermo Abascal’s team delivered a 3-0 victory over Krylia Sovetov, a result that highlighted the club’s potential when lineups are settled and form aligns with tactical plans.
In summary, the discussion surrounding Dzhikia reflects broader conversations within Spartak about competition for places, commitment to training, and the strategic considerations of Abascal as he shapes the team ahead of key fixtures. The future for Dzhikia could involve a move that redefines his career trajectory or a renewed effort to reinsert himself into the starting XI under Spartak’s current leadership.