Spartak Moscow faces a clear issue in defense, a point underscored by Vyacheslav Koloskov, the Honorary President of the Russian Football Union. He told RB Sports that the club needs to reinforce its back line, highlighting the absence of a true stabilizing centerpiece. The veteran observer pointed out that Jikia alone cannot anchor the defence under any manager, and that the red-and-whites have struggled defensively for some time. This critique places focus on a fundamental weakness that could limit the team’s competitive trajectory in the upcoming season.
In the past season, Spartak finished third in the Russian championship, trailing CSKA Moscow and Zenit. Over 30 league fixtures, the club earned 54 points, a solid tally but not enough to challenge for the title or to defend the Cup of Russia crown. Their campaign ended with a defeat to Akron Togliatti in the Path of Regions semi-finals, a result that many analysts viewed as symptomatic of broader problems within the squad, particularly at the back. The losses revealed vulnerabilities that could be aimed at through smart recruitment and tactical adjustments rather than sweeping overhauls, if the club wants to reclaim silverware in domestic competitions.
As the new season starts, the team’s schedule begins with a home match against Orenburg, set for July 23. The early fixtures will test Spartak’s defensive organization under the pressure of a fresh campaign, with opponents likely to target any gaps at center-back and defensive midfield. The way the backline collectively coordinates, communicates, and presses will be a telling indicator of how quickly the squad can translate potential into results on the pitch. The preparation and pre-season form could influence selection decisions, with the management weighing options for a dependable central figure who can marshal the defense and provide balance for more adventurous play elsewhere on the field.
Former Spartak player Andrey Tikhonov has voiced concerns about the club’s recent defensive performances in the Russian Premier League. His assessment echoes the broader sentiment around the squad, suggesting that structural issues and execution gaps have been persistent. For Spartak, addressing these concerns likely means both reinforcing personnel at center-back and refining defensive shapes and transitions. A credible strategy might involve integrating a durable, tall center-back who can win aerial duels and organize the line, complemented by a defensive midfielder capable of shielding the defense and breaking opposition buildup. Such a combination could help strip opponents of easy scoring chances and reduce the burden on attacking players to rely on improbable goalkeeping or last-ditch defending.
Beyond personnel changes, tactical evolution could be crucial. Coaches may experiment with a more compact back four during transitions, reinforce the mid-block to disrupt quick plays, and emphasize disciplined positioning to limit vertical passes that cut through the defence. The coaching staff will also need to optimize pressing patterns so that the team can recover possession closer to goal without exposing exposed spaces behind the line. If Spartak can implement these adjustments with cohesion, the defense could become a more reliable platform for the rest of the squad, supporting an offense that has the talent to convert chances into goals. Analysts will watch how the squad balances risk and resilience when facing teams that like to press high and move the ball quickly through midfield.
Looking ahead, the club’s strength in defense will influence its broader ambitions in the league and in cup competitions. A sturdier back line could unlock more ambitious attacking ideas, allowing the team to press higher with confidence and to commit more bodies forward during transitions. For fans and stakeholders, the question remains whether the current squad can blend experience with youth, translate preseason work into consistent performances, and maintain focus through the rhythm of a long season. If Spartak can secure a dependable central defender and solidify the defensive blueprint, the path to challenging the top two in the standings could become more credible. The conversation around this topic will persist through weeks of training, transfer market activity, and the early results that will set the tone for the campaign. (Source: RB Sports; comments from Vyacheslav Koloskov and ongoing club analysis)