Former CSKA Moscow head coach Alexander Tarkhanov recently weighed in on the ongoing discussions surrounding defender Mario Fernandez and the possibility of his return to the army club. Tarkhanov, speaking from a position of experience, did not frame the stalled negotiations as a failure. He emphasized that Fernandez is undeniably a solid player, but he also noted that CSKA currently has depth to cover the position. This assessment highlights the club’s evolving squad strategy and readiness to adapt if Fernandez remains unavailable, while still leaving room for future developments should circumstances shift for either party. The former coach’s comments were reported by Vprognoze.ru, reflecting a measured view of the situation rather than a simple win-or-lose verdict.
According to Tarkhanov, the club’s immediate needs have to be balanced with Fernandez’s potential to rejoin the team. He stated that CSKA can endure the short-term absence since it already has capable alternatives who can contribute at a high level. Yet Tarkhanov did not dismiss the possibility of Fernandez reestablishing himself within the squad if there is a path back that aligns with both the player’s ambitions and the club’s tactical plan. He also commented on the age factor, noting that the club would be comfortable operating with players up to the age of 40, should Fernandez or another veteran be eligible to extend their career with CSKA. This remark underscores the club’s willingness to leverage experience to maintain competitiveness while managing roster dynamics over time.
Background details show that, just before CSKA’s final match of the 2021/22 campaign, Fernandez, then 32 years old, chose to pause his playing career temporarily. He went back to Brazil to rest and spend time with his family, signaling a personal milestone as his professional story continued off the pitch. In September, Fernandez announced the arrival of a son, a development that naturally influenced his perspective on football and life. His contract with CSKA was set to expire in 2024, which added another layer to negotiations, as both sides weighed long-term plans against immediate needs.
In December, CSKA granted Fernandez a one-year loan to play for Internacional in Brazil. The move represented a compromise that allowed him to maintain competitive form while exploring future opportunities, with the understanding that his CSKA contract would still define his ultimate career trajectory. Fernandez’s loan stint concluded in April 2023, after which his status with CSKA remained in question as both parties evaluated next steps amid changing squad requirements and international football dynamics.
During his decade with CSKA Moscow, Fernandez achieved considerable success, contributing to three league titles and multiple domestic cup triumphs, including the Russian Super Cup. He also claimed the country’s Super Cup in another season, underscoring his impact on the club’s trophy cabinet. In addition to his club achievements, Fernandez pursued citizenship in Russia and earned a place with the national team during the 2018 FIFA World Cup cycle under coach Stanislav Cherchesov. The squad advanced to the quarterfinals, marking a notable chapter in the country’s football history and highlighting Fernandez’s role as part of a generation that helped elevate the national team’s profile on the world stage.
Reflecting on Fernandez’s broader career, a former representative close to the player indicated that a return to CSKA remains unlikely in the near term. This candid assessment suggests that while the door is not shut forever, current factors including contract status, roster construction, and strategic direction at CSKA point toward a period of continuity rather than immediate rejoining. The evolving circumstances of both the club and the player will continue to shape any potential comeback discussions, with stakeholders watching developments as the football calendar unfolds. Attribution: information cited from Vprognoze.ru provides context for the published statements and the timeline surrounding Fernandez’s past seasons and loan arrangements.