In Rostov, former head coach Sergei Balakhnin emphasized a clear, long term objective for the club: build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the next season, especially given the changing landscape in the Russian Premier League where Valery Karpin’s players may not sustain top-tier results. Balakhnin pointed out that the focus should be on development and consolidation rather than chasing immediate success, and he outlined a plan for Rostov to regain its competitive edge through strategic recruitment, youth development, and a stronger collective identity. These comments were shared as part of a broader discussion on how the club can reposition itself in the wake of recent league dynamics and evolving financial and sporting constraints.
Balakhnin underscored that the club cannot simply rely on past performance. He argued that there are no guarantees of matching or surpassing last season’s fourth-place finish and stressed the importance of a process that allows Rostov to rediscover its form. The aim, he said, is for the team to find its backbone, demonstrate resilience, and push toward higher standings in the future. In his view, the coming period should focus on building depth across positions, ensuring that the squad has options to cope with injuries and suspensions while maintaining intensity throughout the season.
Rostov has completed 18 rounds in the current edition of the Russian Premier League, accumulating 21 points and sitting in tenth place. The gap to the league leaders remains substantial, with the frontrunners having a comfortable margin over the club. This positioning reflects a season of mixed results and highlights the need for tactical adjustments, squad rotation, and perhaps a sharper emphasis on efficiency in both defense and attack as the club plans its next steps.
Looking ahead, the schedule signals a continued transition period. The Russian Cup rounds are set to resume in February, providing Rostov with opportunities to sharpen team cohesion and experiment with different lineups. The league program will proceed with the 19th round commencing in early March, and Valery Karpin’s squad is expected to kick off after the mid-season break against Krylya Sovetov Samara. The match is slated for the first day of the month with a 19.00 Moscow time kickoff, offering a platform to assess form and implement strategic adjustments ahead of the second half of the campaign. Coaches and observers will be watching closely how Rostov balances cup ambitions with league responsibilities during this period.
There has also been speculation about Rostov’s squad composition, including whether veteran Denis Glushakov, aged 37, should be brought back into the fold. The discourse around Glushakov touches on issues of leadership, experience, and the potential value he could add in a transitional phase for the club. Opinions among analysts and fans vary, reflecting broader discussions about how Rostov should approach player recruitment and retention as it rebuilds for future challenges. The ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of aligning transfer strategy with long term sporting objectives, financial prudence, and the club culture Rostov aspires to sustain.