In Moscow, the leadership of Spartak has made its expectations clear as the club moves forward under the guidance of General Director Oleg Malyshev. He outlined that the new head coach, Dejan Stankovic, has a target that goes beyond mere participation. The aim, expressed with a straightforward tone, is to finish no lower than second in the Russian Premier League. This statement underscores a commitment to high stakes and steady progress as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign, with the club’s executives signaling a clear direction and a readiness to back the coaching staff in pursuit of top-tier results.
Malyshev declined to disclose specifics of the contract terms, but he framed the objective in unequivocal terms. The club’s leadership wants to see the squad rise above the middle of the table and compete for the top spots. In his comments, Malyshev implied that the new coach has a mandate to pursue the highest possible achievement, setting a benchmark that aligns with Spartak’s ambitions and its history of competing at the summit of Russian football.
Spartak finished the previous season in fifth place, accumulating 50 points after 30 rounds. Despite that outcome, the club acted decisively to secure Stankovic, the former Crvena Zvezda boss who later guided Ferencvaros, signaling a strategic shift aimed at rejuvenating the squad and re-establishing its status among Russia’s elite. The arrival of Stankovic is intended to bring a fresh tactical approach and leadership that can translate into stronger performances across both domestic league play and cup competitions. He will take over the head coaching responsibilities from Vladimir Sliskovic, with the plan to build a more consistent and ambitious on-field identity for Spartak in the seasons ahead.
In mid-April 2024, Spartak announced a change in the coaching setup, parting ways with Guillermo Abascal as the team sought new directions and renewed momentum. The decision reflected the club’s willingness to pursue a different philosophy and leadership style, one that could drive the team toward immediate improvement and longer-term success. The transition period is seen as a pivotal moment for Spartak as it aligns its technical staff with the strategic objective of returning to the upper echelon of Russian football.
Stankovic has previously spoken about the challenges and the pressure that accompany a top club in a competitive league. He has emphasized the importance of building a cohesive squad, cultivating resilience, and sustaining performance across a demanding fixtures calendar. With this mindset, the Serbian coach is positioned to implement his ideas and to foster a competitive atmosphere that can translate into meaningful results for Spartak in the seasons to come.