Former head coach of the Russian national team and CSKA Moscow, Leonid Slutsky, shared his thoughts in a video on his YouTube channel, Comment Show. He discusses the way Spartak Moscow approached their defensive lineup, suggesting that Guillermo Abascal, the Spartak head coach, signed Serbian defender Srdjan Babic instead of captain Georgiy Dzhikia. Slutsky argues that Babic was the initial target and that the team now faces a moment where players can partner on the field, but the decision to add Dzhikia to the squad by securing Babic was deliberate and strategic. The takeaway from Slutsky is clear: the acquisition pattern aimed to reinforce the defense while preserving the leadership an experienced captain provides for the back line. This interpretation, he notes, reflects a broader philosophy about balance and competition within a top club.
Dzhikia has been a Spartak stalwart since 2017, contributing to the club’s success with a championship and a Russian Cup to his name. Yet this season has seen him rarely feature in the Russian Premier League, appearing in only six of a possible eleven league matches. His current contract is set to expire in June 2024, leaving room for ongoing discussion about his role and future with the club. The question for supporters and analysts alike is how Dzhikia fits into a squad that continues to evolve under Abascal’s management, and what the signing of Babic signals for the defensive strategy going forward. The dynamic is underscored by the club’s long-term planning and the need to maintain cohesion across the back line when form, fitness, and rotation demand flexibility.
On October 8, Spartak faced CSKA in a Moscow derby that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The visitor, CSKA, opened the scoring through Milan Gaich, putting the hosts on their heels early. Quincy Promes responded to level the score for Spartak, injecting belief into the home side. Gaich proved his prowess with a second-half brace that kept the tension high and handed CSKA a temporary lead again, before Jesus Medina struck in the 97th minute to salvage a draw for Spartak. The late goal illustrated the intensity of Russian football’s premier regional showdown and showcased the character of Spartak as they chased a result in stoppage time. Fans and pundits alike took this match as proof of Spartak’s resilience and the ongoing contest for supremacy in Moscow.
Earlier in the season, questions had been raised about Dzhikia’s playing time and his role within the squad. When asked about his reduced involvement, the defender offered concise insight into the club’s selection decisions, acknowledging that competition within the squad is fierce and that the coaching staff makes selections based on a range of tactical considerations. The exchange highlighted the pressure players face in a club of Spartak’s stature, where every match can redefine roles and drive competitive tension throughout the roster. The evolving lineup remains a focal point for fans who follow the team closely as they navigate a challenging schedule and seek to maintain momentum in domestic competition while continuing to compete effectively in European fixtures.