Alexander Tarkhanov, the former Spartak coach, voiced support for red-and-white forward Alexander Sobolev after Sobolev declined to speak with journalists following the team’s 13th round Russian Premier League loss to Fakel Voronezh. Tarkhanov’s stance was highlighted by Euro-Football.Ru, which captured his remarks on the incident.
Tarkhanov stressed the importance of proper press conduct. He said reporters should recount events truthfully and not rely on invented or sensationalized material. The coach’s point centered on journalistic etiquette and the need for accuracy when reporting on the club and its players.
The decision to avoid media interaction wasn’t driven by the defeat itself. It stemmed from articles that explored Sobolev’s ongoing relationship with head coach Guillermo Abascal. On October 18, a report by Ivan Karpov claimed that Sobolev had been suspended from training with Spartak for a disciplinary breach, a detail that appeared to influence Sobolev’s willingness to engage with the press.
Despite the tension with the media, Sobolev returned to action on October 28, playing the full 90 minutes in a match that ended in a 0-2 defeat to Fakel. The goals were tallied by Ruslan Magal from the penalty spot and Maxim Maximov. A red card for Moscow defender Srdjan Babic came in the 70th minute, adding to Spartak’s difficulties in the game.
Prior to the press scrutiny, Abascal faced challenges in defending Sobolev’s position in front of reporters. The evolving dynamic between the head coach and the forward continued to shape the team’s public narrative, underscoring how off-field relations can influence on-field appearances and media interactions.