Alexander Mostovoy, a former Spartak Moscow player, weighed in on Guillermo Abascal’s public gripes about the 2023/23 schedule, offering a pointed critique that echoed many fan conversations. He referenced the remarks through Sports24, emphasizing a blunt assessment of how the team adapts to a crowded calendar and the realities of managing a squad under constant travel and fixture pressure. Mostovoy suggested that the coach’s focus on scheduling misses the bigger picture: the squad has depth, talent, and the potential to perform at a high level even when calendars appear congested.
According to Mostovoy, Abascal is seen by some as being out of step with the broader needs of the club. He argued that a coach who negotiates a career with a foreign background can become a lightning rod for criticism, especially when results are scrutinized. The former player commented that even if Abascal were to be replaced, a substantial severance would accompany the departure, a risk many associate with the job security of foreign managers in Russia’s top flight.
Mostovoy pointed out that the schedule complexity is a common challenge across leagues, yet the team’s resources and talent level remain strong. He noted that Spartak has a sizable pool of players ready to step in, and with a robust squad, the coaching staff should be able to design a tactical approach that minimizes disruptions while maximizing performance. The emphasis, he argued, should be on execution and consistency rather than on framing every setback as a calendar fault.
In their most recent league outing, Spartak hosted Akhmat Grozny and settled for a 0-0 draw. The result came after a midweek journey that included matches at Yekaterinburg’s Ural and in Saint Petersburg against Zenit, matches that tested travel endurance and recovery protocols. By the end of six rounds, Spartak had accumulated ten points and sat in seventh place, a position that underscored the need for incremental improvement and sharper finishing as the campaign unfolds.
The next assignment for Abascal’s team is a Russian Cup home tie against Dynamo Moscow, scheduled for August 29 at 19:30 Moscow time. The fixture presents an opportunity to refine squad balance and push for a decisive result that could lift confidence and momentum—elements experts say are crucial when navigating a demanding schedule without compromising league form.
Looking ahead, observers will watch how Spartak manages rotation, depth, and player form as the season progresses. The club’s supporters, analysts, and former players alike will debate the optimal blend of youth and experience, the strategy for youth development, and how to translate training into consistent performances in both domestic cups and the league. The season’s trajectory hinges on a combination of tactical clarity, physical preparation, and resilience in the face of travel and fixture congestion, with the calendar serving as a backbeat rather than the lead instrument. This debate has become a common thread in modern football, where coaching decisions are often weighed against results and the real measure of a squad’s strength lies in its ability to adapt under pressure. Citations: Sports24.