Former USSR national team player and Moscow Spartak alum Evgeny Lovchev shared thoughts on the club’s current leadership through his Telegram channel. He argued that head coach Guillermo Abascal has largely become a spectator to the process rather than its driver, suggesting a gap between the team’s on-field actions and the decisions being made off it.
The latest derby produced a rebound for Spartak, but the focus here goes beyond the local rivalry. Lovchev emphasized that CSKA showed a clearer plan and execution on the day, and he expressed uncertainty about what Spartak intended to do in attack and transition. The contrast in confidence and cohesion between the two sides was striking, according to his assessment.
In a turn of phrase that reflected growing frustration, Lovchev said that Abascal, who previously appeared to be navigating the season with some agility, now seemed stuck in a dead end. He pointed to the players’ poor form and questioned whether the club’s leadership should intervene to prevent a damaging spiral that could affect the entire campaign.
Abascal assumed the role of Spartak head coach before the 2022/23 campaign, having previously coached abroad in Volos, Greece, and Basel, Switzerland. His tenure included a contract extension that carried a salary increase as the season progressed. Under his guidance last season, Spartak finished third in the Russian Premier League, a result that carried expectations for improvement and consistency in the current term.
The Moscow derby on October 8 ended in a 2-2 draw after a comeback effort from Spartak that kept the scoreline level. Milan Gaich delivered a brace for the hosts, while Quincy Promes and Jesus Medina were credited with contributing goals that balanced the tie. The match featured two important retaliations by Spartak, underscoring their resilience as well as their ongoing need for strategic clarity and tactical cohesion.
Earlier remarks from Igor Shalimov had criticized Abascal’s dismissal as a topic without substance between international breaks, adding to the factional debate surrounding leadership and direction at Spartak. The conversation around the coach’s role remains a focal point for supporters and analysts alike, with the club facing a pivotal period that could shape the season’s trajectory.
In summary, Lovchev’s commentary reflects broader questions about Spartak’s strategic clarity, the balance between management decisions and on-field performance, and whether the club can align its resources to meet the demands of a competitive league schedule. The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether the leadership team can translate potential into consistent results and restore confidence among players and fans alike.