Former Dynamo Moscow and Spartak defender Dmitry Kombarov appointed head coach of Spartak-2 as the club revives the team
In a move that signals Spartak Moscow’s intent to build a strong pipeline for its future, the club announced the appointment of Dmitry Kombarov as the head coach of Spartak-2, the revived reserve side. The announcement came through the club’s press service and was posted on the official Spartak website. The decision aligns with the club’s broader strategy to reintroduce a development squad that can nurture young talent while maintaining a competitive edge in the domestic league system. [Citation: Spartak official press release]
Kombarov is a familiar name for Spartak fans. He wore the red and white jersey from 2010 to 2019, contributing to the team during a successful era. During his time with Spartak, the club secured the Russian Premier League title and the Russian Super Cup, with both trophies coming in 2017. This period stands out as a highlight of his playing career with the club, emphasizing his deep connection to Spartak’s culture and expectations. In 2022, Kombarov returned to St. Petersburg, taking the role of head coach at Zvezda. [Citation: Club history and player profile]
The revival of Spartak-2 was a strategic decision taken by the club’s leadership in 2023. The plan is for the reserve side to compete in one of the lower groups of the Second League starting with the 2024/25 season. This relaunch aims to provide a clear pathway for young players to transition to the first team, while coaches and staff can implement a long-term development philosophy. [Citation: Spartak club announcement]
In the current season, Spartak, under the guidance of head coach Guillermo Abascal, has been performing solidly in the Russian Premier League. The team accumulated 30 points across 18 matches in the first half of the season, placing them in fifth position. They sit eight points behind the league leaders, Krasnodar, and Zenit St. Petersburg, while also remaining six points ahead of rivals from St. Petersburg. These standings highlight Spartak’s competitive form as the club reaffirms its commitment to growth and resilience. [Citation: RPL standings and match results]
There is additional attention on the broader transfer activity surrounding Spartak and its rivals. Notably, a former Russian national team forward joined Zenit, underscoring the ongoing player movement among top Russian clubs. Such developments contribute to the evolving dynamics of Russian football and influence the strategic planning for future seasons. [Citation: Transfer season overview]
Overall, the reintroduction of Spartak-2 marks a renewed effort to develop homegrown talent and maintain a sustainable model for success. Kombarov’s appointment as head coach brings a wealth of experience and a champion mindset to the reserve squad, while the club continues to compete at a high level in the top flight. The coming seasons are expected to reveal how effectively Spartak-2 integrates with the first team and supports Spartak Moscow’s long-term ambitions. [Citation: Club strategy summary]