Zarema Salikhova, wife of the former Moscow president and Spartak owner Leonid Fedun, weighed in on the reasons behind Guillermo Abascal’s decision not to meet with the press following the 27th round clash between Spartak and Khimki in the Russian Premier League. She described what she perceived as a pattern of difficulty at the highest levels of officiating and noted that Abascal’s reaction echoed sentiments she had observed in other coaches who have faced similar scrutiny at the refereeing table. In her view, the coach’s reluctance to engage with journalists reflected an overall embarrassment about the current state of the league and its refereeing standards. Salikhova added that those who do not align with the league’s rules risk expulsion, a point she attributed to the broader dynamics surrounding the competition, according to Metaratings.ru.
Abascal later addressed the media at his post-match press conference, articulating a clear boundary while expressing respect for the journalists present. He asserted that there had been a surge of off-topic or irrelevant questions and explained that he preferred not to respond to those inquiries at that moment. Even so, he conveyed appreciation for the press corps and asked for mutual respect as he navigates the pressures that come with high-stakes football in a top league.
Following 27 rounds, Spartak stood in fourth place in the RPL table with 50 points. The leader remained Saint Petersburg’s Zenit with 65 points, followed by CSKA on 54 and Rostov also on 50, who were preparing to face Sochi in their upcoming fixture on May 14. The standings underscored the close margins in a league where every point counts and the race for podium spots remains intensely competitive as the season progresses.
Alexander Mostovoy, a former member of the Russian national team, shared his perspective on the Khimki versus Spartak result, offering insights drawn from his extensive experience in Russian football. His commentary reflected on tactical approaches, squad depth, and the pressure of performing against mid-table rivals in a league that continually tests consistency and resilience. His analysis contributed to a broader public dialogue about how teams balance ambition with the realities of league constraints during the late stages of the campaign.
The overall mood surrounding the match and its aftermath illustrated the ongoing debate about accountability, media access, and the expectations placed on coaches, players, and club leadership in Russian football. Observers noted that public sentiment often shifts quickly in response to a mix of on-field outcomes, officiating decisions, and the personal pressures experienced by managers who operate under intense scrutiny in a highly competitive environment.