Andrey Tikhonov, a one-time Spartak Moscow player, suggested that the red-and-white misfortunes in the spring portion of the Russian Premier League were tied to a shifting match schedule. He argued that these changes disrupted the regular rhythm of the squad, forcing frequent alterations to the starting lineup. His remarks underscore the tension between tactical experimentation and on-pitch stability that the club faced during that period.
“I don’t want to pin the blame on the coach,” Tikhonov stated. “Guillermo Abascal has shown that his style—fast, interconnected football—delivers results. Yet in the spring, when points slipped away, nerves grew among the players. And the coach began to adjust plans to try new ideas, which added to the unpredictability.”
In the 2022/23 season overview, Spartak finished third in the Russian championship, edging CSKA and Zenit. Across 30 rounds, the club amassed 54 points. The team also fell short in defending the Russian Cup title, losing to Akron Togliatti in the semi-finals of the Road of the Regions competition. The season highlighted both the potential of Abascal’s system and the fragility that comes with mid-course changes in a fight for top honors.
Abascal assumed control of Spartak ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and, after the season ended, extended his contract through 2025. His coaching journey previously included stints with Volos in Greece and Basel in Switzerland, experiences that shaped his approach to building a dynamic, pressing style in Moscow.
Looking ahead to the start of the next Russian Premier League campaign, Spartak is scheduled to host Orenburg in the opening round on July 23. The match will set the tone for how Adascal’s tactical plan translates to a fresh season and how the squad manages continuity amid the demanding schedule that Russian football fans have come to expect.
Earlier, a former Spartak defender, Gatagov, described Abascal as a cool, composed manager who fosters an environment where players can express themselves while adhering to a clear game plan. This perception underlines the balance between leadership and creative freedom that characterizes the current Spartak era.