Yuri Zavarzin, the former general manager of Spartak, noted that the Russian forward currently at the club does not align with the vision of the new head coach Dejan Stankovic. He described the situation as a clear signal that the manager has concerns beyond just goals on the score sheet. The assessment touched on football form, psychological traits, and other factors, implying that Spartak is not seeking this player in the present squad under the new leadership.
According to Zavarzin, while the forward displayed moments of impact in certain games, including goals and assists, he ultimately does not fit the team’s tactical plan or the manager’s expectations. This difference in fit has led to the forward being dropped from the starting lineup since the opening round of the current Russian Premier League season against Orenburg, a match Sparta lost 0-2, and he subsequently missed the second and third rounds.
Sobolev joined Spartak in 2020 and has since featured in 139 matches for the club, recording 58 goals and 32 assists across all competitions. His contract is set to run through the summer of 2026, keeping him under contract for several seasons ahead.
In the just-completed Russian Championship season, Sobolev appeared in 27 league matches and scored five goals. There were reports linking him with a transfer to Zenit during the recent off-season, but Spartak reportedly raised the selling price at the last moment, leading Zenit to withdraw from pursuing the player.
Earlier, there were comments from a former Spartak coach about the perception of Sobolev facing discrimination. The remarks drew attention to the broader dialogue around selection decisions and player evaluation within the club during that period.