Zarema Salikhova, the spouse of former Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun, has voiced a sharp opinion about the current coach of the red-white team, Guillermo Abascal. Speaking to Sport Express, she suggested that the coach has become overly pampered by the club’s new management group, to the point where his authority is visibly enlarged beyond what the position warrants. Salikhova argued that Abascal initially showed solid potential and delivered strong performances for the first six months, yet the current climate has shifted decisively. According to her, Abascal now wields a veto over strategic decisions, exerts influence over the club office, and can sway transfer talks. She contrasted this with smaller clubs where the coach often ends up as the focal point while others dodge responsibility, painting a picture of a system that has tilted in favor of leadership influence rather than collective accountability.
The topic gained fresh attention after Spartak’s away defeat at Krasnodar in the seventh round of the Russian Premier League. The match, played on September 2, ended 2-0 in favor of Krasnodar. John Cordoba found the net for the home side in the 39th minute, and Eduard Spertsyan added a second goal in the 84th, sealing the result for the Bulls. Fans and pundits soon discussed how Spartak’s setup performed on the day and what it might mean for the coach’s standing amid a demanding season.
Reports from socialbites.ca covered the game live, noting Spartak’s position in the table. After the Krasnodar clash, the club sat in eighth place with ten points, having recorded two defeats and a single draw in the league prior to the encounter. Observers debated whether the club’s tactical approach and leadership dynamics were yielding the right balance between on-field performance and off-field governance, especially as the campaign progressed into its tougher stretches.
In recent weeks, Abascal’s leadership has become a topic of broader discussion among fans and analysts. Some argue that the coach has had to navigate a complex transition period marked by new management, shifting player personnel, and heightened scrutiny from supporters. Others contend that the team remains capable of adapting its style and refining its approach to matches that demand careful preparation and pragmatic decision-making. The balance between strong coaching authority and shared accountability remains at the core of the conversation surrounding Spartak’s direction this season, with many hoping for a cohesive path forward that blends clear leadership with collective responsibility on and off the pitch.