Rubin midfielder Ruslan Bezrukov spoke about Leonid Slutsky, the team’s former coach, suggesting that Slutsky would step back into coaching sooner or later. The midfielder noted that even though Slutsky has moved into media work, his passion for football remains strong, and this is something fans and colleagues can sense in their conversations. Bezrukov expressed confidence that Slutsky will return to serious coaching at some point, and he would welcome that development with happiness.
Slutsky’s coaching tenure with CSKA Moscow stretched from 2009 to 2016, a period that solidified the club as a dominant force in Russian football. During these years, CSKA clinched the national championship three times, secured the Russian Cup twice, and captured the Russian Super Cup. Between 2015 and 2016, Slutsky balanced responsibilities with the army team and the Russian national team. Under his guidance, the national squad earned a spot at the 2016 European Championship. However, the team did not advance beyond the group stage, suffering defeats to Slovakia and Wales while drawing with England. Slutsky’s strategic approach and leadership during those campaigns left a lasting imprint on the national program and on Rubin’s broader footballing philosophy in subsequent years.
Rubin Kazan announced that Slutsky had departed from the club on November 15, 2022. Since stepping away from the touchline, he has remained active in the public sphere more as a media figure, appearing on comedy programs and providing match commentary. This public activity has kept him visible to fans and analysts alike, fueling ongoing speculation about where his coaching career might next take him. The conversation surrounding his future roles has become a recurring topic among supporters who recall his impact during his CSKA tenure and wonder where his tactical insights might be applied next in the world of football.
In recent remarks, Slutsky had indicated a willingness to explore opportunities beyond Rubin and Russian football, hinting at possible interest from foreign clubs. This openness to international possibilities has been interpreted by observers as a sign that Slutsky remains committed to coaching at the highest levels, even as he pursues other interests in media and entertainment. For Rubin and its fans, the question remains whether the forthcoming chapter will involve a return to top-tier club management, a role within a national team setup, or a different path that leverages his deep tactical knowledge and experience across European football.