Rubin Leonid Slutsky, who previously led CSKA and Kazan, commented on remarks made by Moscow’s mentor Spartak Guillermo Abascal following his draw with Grozny Akhmat in the 21st round of the Russian Premier League. The game finished with a 0-0 result, leaving room for strong post-match analysis from both sides.
It is remembered that the Spanish expert argued that Akhmat goalkeeper Giorgi Shelia frequently paused the match to influence tempo. Slutsky offered a measured take on such post-game statements, noting that coaches’ words after a match should not be taken at face value. He singled out Spartak defender and captain Georgiy Jikia, suggesting that Jikia often appears to be time-wasting, humorously labeling him a world champion in waiting for time to pass. Slutsky added that it would be surprising if Spartak themselves admitted that the opposing team had not controlled the pace for much of the encounter. He observed that Georgiy seemed to be involved in the action longer than all of the other Russian Premier League teams combined.
Abascal’s remarks, according to Slutsky, express a sense of resentment and a feeling of helplessness in the moment. Slutsky acknowledged that this reaction is human and understandable, but he argued that Spartak had ample opportunity to capitalize on their advantages during the match. The interview was conducted on the program In Football with Denis Kazansky on Channel One, where Slutsky shared his perspective on the situation.
Currently, Spartak sits with 41 points after 21 rounds, placing them third in the Russian Premier League standings. Zenit St. Petersburg leads with 51 points, while Rostov holds second place with 44 points. The table reflects a tightly contested race at the top, with several teams in pursuit as the season progresses and every point becomes crucial for European qualification and domestic ambition.
Looking ahead, Spartak is set to host Dynamo Moscow in the next round. The match is scheduled to commence on April 8 at 19 30 Moscow time, promising a pivotal chapter in the season as teams battle for positioning and momentum heading into the late stages of the campaign.
Earlier in the season, Slutsky also referenced the club’s transfer movements, noting the acquisition of Artem Dziuba, the striker previously associated with Pari Nizhny Novgorod and the capital’s Lokomotiv. The update highlighted Spartak’s ongoing strategic efforts to strengthen the squad as the championship advances and competition intensifies across a demanding schedule.