Former Spartak manager Alexander Khadzhy shared his thoughts on the performance of Paraguayan defender Alexis Duarte in an interview with Sports Express. He offered a candid assessment of the players, the coaching staff, and the overall dynamics shaping the team on the field. The veteran observer did not mince words about the current squad and the choices made by the coaching group, signaling a belief that Duarte’s contributions are scrutinized more harshly than those of some teammates and that selection decisions may not always reflect the on-pitch realities.
The former coach suggested that the head coach has shown a preference pattern that does not favor Jikiya, even when the midfielder is clearly not at his best. According to the interview, this favoritism appears to persist despite the player’s efforts during training and in matches, which leads the pundit to question the rationale behind the squad selection. The comment implied that the coaching staff might be misreading form or underutilizing available options, leaving the team with an imbalance that can complicate match plans. The observer also wondered aloud why the leadership might not provide a clearer explanation to the squad or the fans, hinting that greater transparency could help the club maintain unity during difficult periods.
The critic went further to describe a team atmosphere that feels unsettled, with a sense of disharmony among players and coaching staff. He attributed part of the friction to the way the team rotates personnel from game to game, which can erode consistency and understanding on the pitch. The speaker proposed that this approach may be deliberate and strategic, perhaps intended to shake things up or to test depth, but he added that the result is a lack of balance that complicates the execution of a coherent game plan. The commentator acknowledged that there are still many matches to play in the season, leaving room for changes, and he noted that a calmer, more predictable approach could help the squad regain its footing as the fixtures accumulate.
On October 8, Spartak managed to secure a 2-2 draw with CSKA in the eleventh round of the Russian Premier League. The match produced two late twists and left the stadium buzzing with debate about who deserved credit for the performance. The red-and-white side pressed for a decisive winner, registering a pair of goals that showcased their attacking intent while also revealing vulnerabilities at the back. The draw emphasized the intensity of the rivalry and underscored the need for balance in selection and strategy as the season progressed, with every point carrying significant weight in the standings and the pursuit of a higher finish.
Spartak stood in fifth place on the league table after eleven rounds, having gathered a tally of seventeen points. The ranking reflected a season of mixed results, where the club demonstrated periods of creativity and efficiency, but also moments of vulnerability that invited scrutiny. Looking ahead, the team prepared for a tough test against Paris NN on the schedule, a fixture that would demand discipline, tactical clarity, and the ability to translate training-ground ideas into consistent performance during competitive minutes. The narrative around the squad remained focused on finding the right balance, building confidence, and maximizing every opportunity to climb the table as the campaign moved forward.
Duarte, who is now 23 years old, joined Spartak from Cerro Porteño in January, bringing with him a background of South American football experience and exposure to high-pressure environments. His arrival was met with cautious optimism, as the club sought to strengthen the defense and add depth to the lineup. The transfer story reflected a broader trend of clubs scouting talent across continents to address tactical needs, and it illustrated how new players integrate into a club’s system, adapt to a different league, and respond to the expectations of fans and staff alike.
Previously expressed remarks attributed to a representative characterized the Spartak coaching staff in strong terms, suggesting that a certain personality within the group could influence the club’s direction in ways that some observers view as overly abrupt. The remarks added to the ongoing dialogue about leadership style, player development, and strategic decisions at the highest levels of the club. The ensuing discussions underscored the importance of clear communication, consistent standards, and a shared vision among players and coaches to sustain progress over a rigorous season.