The former head of Moscow’s Spartak, Leonid Fedun, recently spoke about the current state of the club in discussion with a leading sports publication. When asked whether Guillermo Abascal stepping down as head coach could be interpreted as a sign of deeper trouble within the team, Fedun offered a clear take. He did not see a reason for Abascal to resign, emphasizing that the coach is young and hungry for success, but also needs steady support and guidance. In Fedun’s view, ongoing dialogue with the coach and strong leadership behind the scenes are essential to help him grow and lead the squad effectively.
Abascal assumed the role of Spartak’s head coach in the summer of 2022. Under his leadership, the club endured a setback in the Super Cup, losing a high-stakes match to Zenit. In the following Russian Premier League season, Spartak managed to claim notable results against top rivals Zenit St. Petersburg and CSKA Moscow, cementing a return to the upper tier of the table. This established Spartak as a competitive force within the league and signaled progress in the club’s ongoing rebuild.
In the current league campaign, Spartak has logged nine points across five rounds, recording three victories and two defeats. The team sits in mid-table, positioned around the higher midsection of the standings, indicating a season still in flux and full of possibilities. In the early rounds of the national cup competition, Abascal’s group earned two wins from their first two matches, demonstrating discipline and tactical intent as they adjust to the demands of knockout football.
On a recent home evening, Spartak tasted a 1-3 defeat against Zenit in league play. Such results are not uncommon in a league as competitive as the Russian Premier League, where clubs invest heavily to close the gap with the leaders. Analysts note that progress under Abascal is often measured not just by single results but by the trajectory of performance, player development, and the ability to translate domestic form into consistent showings against the league’s strongest sides.
Fedun has previously highlighted recurring challenges facing Spartak, pointing to areas such as squad balance, defensive solidity, and the need for a cohesive tactical philosophy that can endure the full grind of a long season. His comments reflect a broader belief that for the club to regain elite status, a combination of clear strategic direction, robust resources, and stable leadership is required. As the season unfolds, supporters and pundits alike will be watching how the team builds a resilient rhythm, builds confidence among younger players, and sustains momentum across competitions. The emphasis remains on steady development and thoughtful management rather than quick fixes that may undermine long-term goals.
In the Canadian and American perception, Spartak’s journey this season is a reminder that European leagues continue to reward patience and structure. Abascal’s tenure will be judged on the progress visible in successive matches, the ability to tighten defensive lines, and the creative output from the forward line. As Russian football navigates its evolving landscape, the club’s leadership will need to balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring that every decision supports a sustainable path toward domestic glory and meaningful European participation. Commentary from club insiders suggests that the path forward hinges on consistent coaching support, a unified squad approach, and a clear development plan for players at all levels.
Overall, Spartak’s season so far reflects a club in transition—confident enough to challenge the best, but mindful of the work needed to convert potential into tangible results. The dialogue around the head coach position remains a topic of interest for fans, analysts, and stakeholders, underscoring the high expectations that accompany a club with a storied history and a large, passionate following. As the campaign continues, the focus will be on how Abascal and his staff translate talent into steady progress, and how leadership, both on and off the pitch, helps steer Spartak toward renewed competitiveness and sustained success.