Former Rostov vice president Alexander Shikunov praised the Rostov team after their big 4-1 win over Dynamo Moscow in the 22nd round of the Russian Premier League and shared his thoughts on Valery Karpin, the Rostov coach who also leads the Russian national team. His comments were carried by RB Sports and reflect a broader appreciation for Karpin’s approach and results.
Shikunov questioned whether Karpin has again proven his credentials as a top level coach, noting that the one missing piece is a trophy. He emphasized that Rostov players and the national team squad hold Karpin in high regard, while expressing a personal wish to see him lift a silverware trophy. He added that while there is broad recognition of the quality of football produced under Karpin, trophies remain the main proof of success for any team.
The match on March 29 ended with Rostov defeating Dynamo Moscow 4-1. Mohebi delivered a standout performance with a brace and an assist, while Kirill Shchetinin and Danil Glebov each added another goal. The victory underscored Rostov’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline, turning a late season push into a tangible climb in the standings.
Following the win, Rostov moved to 30 points, climbing from tenth to seventh place in the Russian Premier League table. The leaders remain Zenit with 41 points, and Krasnodar has emerged in second place, closing the gap to two points. Dynamo Moscow sits in third, highlighting the tight battle for European qualification spots and the club’s ongoing pursuit of consistency in the league. This shift in the table reflects Rostov’s resilient performance and its ability to convert opportunities into meaningful results as the campaign advances.
Rostov and its supporters now see continued progress under Karpin as a sign of long term potential. With each match, the team works to balance attacking threat with defensive solidity, aiming to maintain momentum through the remainder of the season. The broader discussion around Karpin centers on his capacity to blend club ambitions with national team duties, a balancing act that has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, who watch closely how the two roles influence player development, squad depth, and tactical consistency.
Rostov has shown a keen sense of organization on the field, leveraging quick transitions and efficient finishing to turn competitive fixtures into points. The coaching staff has prioritized a clear system, with players understanding their roles in both possession build up and pressing sequences. This coherence helps explain the recent positive results and offers a glimpse into how the squad might close the season with a strong run, solidifying their standing among mid to upper table teams in the league. Observers note that Karpin’s leadership is a unifying factor for the group, even as the national team responsibilities add layers of commitment for the players and the club alike. The current momentum is being cited by supporters as evidence of a sustainable project that could translate into higher finishes in future seasons. The story remains one of steady improvement, careful squad management, and the belief that continued hard work can yield tangible trophies in the near future.
Individual performances in the Dynamo Moscow match highlighted the depth Rostov can call upon. Mohebi’s two goals and his assist showcased his threat in and around the box, while Shchetinin added a clinical finish and Glebov finished confidently to seal the result. These contributions, combined with disciplined defensive work, helped Rostov capitalize on mistakes and maintain control after taking the lead early in the game. The result not only boosted morale but also reinforced the team’s readiness for upcoming fixtures as the battle for European spots intensifies across the league. The postmatch conversations reflected a sense of optimism about the squad’s trajectory and the role of leadership from the coaching staff in shaping these improvements.
As the season continues, Rostov will aim to sustain the balance between attack and defense, build cohesion within the lineup, and keep producing results that translate into a higher league position. The league picture remains fluid, with Zenit firmly ahead but with several clubs in pursuit of advancing their own agendas. Rostov’s plan is straightforward: stay compact at the back, exploit quick transitions, and convert scoring chances when they arise. If they keep applying this approach, they may continue to rise and challenge for a top finish in the Russian Premier League, a goal that would meaningfully advance the club’s competitive ambitions and align with the growing confidence of the squad and its supporters. The ongoing discussion about Karpin centers on how his coaching philosophy translates across club and national team duties, and whether this dual responsibility can ultimately fuel sustained success for Rostov in the league and beyond. Attribution: RB Sports.