Rostov’s former head coach Sergei Balakhnin offered a detailed take on the squad’s new additions, noting that several players joined during the club’s winter training camp and appeared in the first warm-up games of the pre-season tournament. In a candid assessment, Balakhnin suggested that the newcomers have not yet demonstrated how they might meaningfully lift the team’s performance when the competitive calendar resumes.
He pointed out that judging Rostov’s readiness for the upcoming championship is tricky at this stage. The pre-season results and on-pitch showings were mixed, leaving evaluators without a clear verdict on how the fresh faces will adapt to the tactical demands and the level of intensity required in league play. The complexity is compounded by the fact that the players are still integrating into the club’s methods, routines, and culture. The coach noted that a definitive assessment will have to wait until the first rounds after the winter break, when real pressure and higher stakes will separate potential contributors from temporary glimpses.
Balakhnin expressed cautious optimism about the newcomers’ potential, yet he emphasized that nothing concrete could be claimed at this juncture. He stated that while there is hope they will strengthen the squad, he has yet to witness anything that could be described as standout brilliance. In practical terms, the former mentor did not declare certainty that these players will push the team forward, but he did acknowledge there is a path for growth if they seize the opportunity and settle into the required level of performance.
From the perspective of Balakhnin, the players who have already been with the club continue to show positive signals. Shchetinin, in particular, stood out during the behind-the-scenes glimpses of the camp and in the recent matchups. Yet the veteran coach stressed that there remains ample time to bring the new arrivals up to speed, shape them to fit Rostov’s system, and introduce them fully to the squad’s rhythms and expectations. The process, he suggested, is ongoing and will unfold as the team presses through the remaining block of winter preparation.
During the Winter Cup portion of the Russian Premier League preseason, Rostov registered two wins, defeating Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates and Spartak in separate matchups. The results also featured a setback, as Valery Karpin’s team fell to Kazakhstan’s Kairat in another test of strength. The new faces Ronaldo, Eyad El-Askalani, and Oumar Sako took part in their Rostov debuts, underscoring the club’s intent to broaden its options. Notably, Ronaldo contributed with an assist in the Spartak game, signaling early chemistry and potential connections with teammates.
In the ongoing Russian Premier League standings, Rostov sits with 21 points after 18 matches, occupying 10th place as the campaign progresses. The yellow-blue side is preparing for their 19th round clash against Krylia Sovetov, scheduled to take place on home turf on March 1. The upcoming fixture promises a crucial test to gauge the summer’s acquisition strategy in a more meaningful competitive context.
Looking ahead, the club’s broader strategic direction has drawn attention, with speculation about how the broader squad reshapes itself around the new arrivals and the core veterans who have stood with Rostov through earlier seasons. The conversations around strengthening the roster, improving depth in key positions, and ensuring a cohesive playing style will only intensify as the league advances and teams face the demands of a tightly packed schedule. The balance between immediate impact and long-term development will likely define Rostov’s trajectory through the rest of the season.