Spartak Moscow’s coach emphasizes professionalism and daily privilege in football
The Spartak Moscow head coach, Guillermo Abascal, has made clear that unprofessional behavior is the one thing that truly irks him in football. His frank stance reflects the club’s public insistence on discipline and performance, a stance he consistently communicates through the club’s press service, Red and White.
Abascal notes that every day in football is a rare privilege. He frames the sport as one of the world’s finest careers, powered by the resources available to players and staff alike. By his account, there are top-tier facilities, a dedicated fanbase, and a broad staff keeping the team competitive. With that level of backing, he says, it is simply not acceptable for anyone to fail to give their best effort. This insistence on professionalism is part of how he leads the squad and instills a high standard across training and matches.
Abascal’s tenure with Spartak began in the summer of 2022, with a contract that runs through 2025. Since stepping into the role, he has sought to build a cohesive unit that can translate commitment in training into tangible results on the pitch. The leadership style is marked by clear expectations and a focus on accountability, both on and off the field.
On October 18, reports circulated that Guillermo Abascal made a disciplinary decision involving Alexander Sobolev, suspending him from team training for a violation of club rules. The move was reported by journalist Ivan Karpov and noted as part of the ongoing effort to uphold team standards and discipline.
Sobolev was not included in the starting lineup for the match against Paris Nizhny Novgorod in the 12th round of the Russian Premier League, which Spartak won 2-0. He did, however, enter the field in the second half. Following the victory, Spartak sat on 20 points and stood fifth in the league standings, a result that underscored the team’s progress under Abascal’s leadership while also highlighting the ongoing balancing act between discipline and squad depth.
Looking ahead, Spartak are set to travel to Fakel Voronezh for the next round, slated for October 28. The fixture represents another opportunity for the team to demonstrate consistency and to push further up the table as the season progresses.
Earlier in his tenure, Abascal explained Spartak in three words, reflecting a straightforward approach to the club’s philosophy and the expectations placed on every member of the squad. This concise framing has become a touchstone for players and staff as they navigate a demanding campaign.
As the season unfolds, the club’s approach under Abascal continues to stress accountability, hard work in training, and a belief that professional conduct is inseparable from on-field success. Players and supporters alike recognize that every match, every training session, and every decision contributes to Spartak’s broader ambitions in Russian football.
In summary, Abascal’s messages focus on professionalism, privilege, and performance. His leadership aims to convert discipline into results, with the team eyeing continued improvement as they face upcoming fixtures in the league and beyond.