Moscow Spartak has finalized a shortlist of coaches who could step in as head coach of RBC Sports, replacing Guillermo Abascal in the near term. The club is weighing a number of high-profile options and assessing how each candidate might align with its competitive goals, leadership style, and long-term vision for the squad.
Among the names under consideration is Stanislav Cherchesov, the former head coach of the Russian national team. While Cherchesov is acknowledged as a seasoned tactician with experience at the international level, insiders gauge his chances to be relatively slim amid a broader inquiry process that involves several foreign experts. The panel of evaluators includes three foreign coaches whose identities have not been disclosed publicly, yet their evaluations are shaping Spartak’s decision-making trajectory. It is known that two of the potential replacements were proposed by the club’s sporting director, Tomas Amaral, with one of those two hailing from Portugal, adding an international dimension to the search and signaling Spartak’s intent to explore diverse coaching philosophies.
Abascal assumed the role of Spartak head coach prior to the 2022/23 season, leading the team through a demanding campaign that saw strategic adjustments and development across the roster. During his tenure, his contract was extended as the season progressed, accompanied by a salary increment that reflected the club’s commitment to continuity and performance. In the most recent league season, under Abascal’s guidance, Spartak secured a solid third place in the Russian Championship, a result that underscored stability and competitive progress for a team with high ambitions. During the winter period, media outlets circulated reports suggesting that Abascal could potentially take charge of Cadiz in Spain, illustrating how coaches often become targets for multiple clubs in parallel with their duties in domestic leagues.
On March 10, Spartak faced Fakel Voronezh in a match held at the Luzhniki Stadium, where the side fell 0–2, a result that added pressure to the coaching discussions and the broader evaluation of team performance. In the wake of that defeat, Spartak sat in sixth position with 31 points, and the most recent fixture saw the club settle for a 0–0 draw with Zenit, reflecting a period of mixed results that magnified the need for clear leadership and tactical clarity. The club’s leadership is actively weighing the implications of recent outcomes as it considers whether a change at the helm could unlock further potential in the squad and maintain momentum in the season’s decisive stages. The ongoing deliberations emphasize a strategic approach to leadership, with the expectation that the chosen coach will bring immediate impact while fitting into Spartak’s broader cultural and sporting objectives.
Reports have indicated that the club previously contemplated parting ways with Abascal, aligning with standard practices of performance reviews that evaluate coaching fit against evolving competitive needs. The current process, however, remains focused on identifying a candidate who can sustain progress, maximize player development, and deliver consistent results across domestic competitions and potential European exposure. In this environment, Spartak’s leadership emphasizes a measured, evidence-based decision-making process that considers not only tactical acumen and prior success but also the ability to integrate with the club’s staff, transfer strategies, and long-range plan for player growth. The objective is to appoint a coach who can guide the team through a critical phase of the season while upholding the club’s tradition of resilience and competitive spirit, all while ensuring a cohesive approach to training, scouting, and match preparation.