The former Lokomotiv Moscow boss weighed in on whether Vladimir Ivic, the ex-Krasnodar head coach, could potentially take the helm at Spartak Moscow. The topic surfaced in a candid chat with Sports Express, where the two coaches discussed the evolving landscape of Russian football and the kinds of leadership Spartak might seek in the near future. (Sports Express)
When asked if Ivic would be a good fit for Spartak, the seasoned tactician paused before answering. “I cannot say yes or no,” he observed. “Spartak has a history of turning surprises into routine. There are always a few miracles waiting in Spartak.” The remark underscored the club’s reputation for dramatic shifts and sudden breakthroughs, even amid a crowded table of contenders in the league. (Sports Express)
Guillermo Abascal assumed responsibility as Spartak’s head coach ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, navigating a season that featured learning curves and gradual growth. As the campaign unfolded, he secured a contract extension with improved terms, signaling the club’s confidence in his leadership. Under his stewardship, Spartak clinched third place in the Russian Championship last season, a result that reflected steady progress, greater squad stability, and a more cohesive game plan. The winter window then sparked talk of potential moves abroad, with rumors linking Abascal to Cádiz in Spain and drawing attention from clubs in Europe keen on his approach to building a competitive side. (Sports Express)
In a recent league fixture at the Luzhniki Stadium, Spartak faced Fakel Voronezh and suffered a 0–2 defeat. The loss left Spartak in sixth place with 31 points, a result that reignited conversations about the club’s long-term strategy, squad depth, and the tactical adjustments needed to climb the standings as the season progresses. (Sports Express)
Meanwhile, the table pressure intensified as Zenit rose to the top after beating Ural, reaching 40 points. Krasnodar trailed by a single point, while Dinamo Moscow remained firmly in the top three with 38 points. The tightening gap among the leading teams highlighted the competitive nature of the Russian Premier League and underscored the urgency for Spartak to stabilize performances, sharpen decision-making, and translate potential into consistent results. (Sports Express)
Longtime observers of Russian football had previously cast Abascal as a central figure in Spartak’s recent oscillations, reflecting the broader discussion about leadership influence and the tactical direction within a club steeped in history and high expectations. The ongoing debate touched on how a coach’s philosophy, player development, and squad management could align with Spartak’s ambitions, especially as the season moved into its decisive phase. (Sports Express)