Gennady Morozov, a veteran of Moscow club Spartak, voiced strong opinions about the season just finished, saying that Georgy Jikia, the captain of the red-whites, did not meet expectations. The veteran emphasized that the lack of consistency in the squad’s defense stood out, and he questioned why anyone would regard Jikia as a top defender after the campaign ended. Morozov’s assessment reflected a broader sense among former players that Spartak fell short at the back last year.
Looking at the numbers from the Russian Premier League, Jikia appeared 22 times and picked up six yellow cards. There was also an incident when he was sent off the field, a moment that underscored the defensive fragility the team faced during a demanding season. The statistics place Jikia as a regular contributor, yet the discipline record and the disciplinary suspension added to the perception that the unit needed stronger leadership and more composure in high-pressure matches.
In the overall league table, Spartak finished in a challenging position behind Zenit St. Petersburg, who led the competition with 70 points, and CSKA Moscow, who finished with 58 points. Spartak accumulated 54 points, securing a solid top-three finish but still a step short of the title contenders. The performance highlighted a season where offensive potential sometimes carried the day, but the defensive line required more solidity to sustain success across all matches.
Beyond domestic league play, Spartak could not defend the Russian Cup title it won in the 2021/22 season. This season saw Guillermo Abascal’s squad eliminated from the tournament in a 1-2 defeat to Akron Togliatti during the Path of Regions phase. The exit marked a disappointing end to a cup campaign that had once held promise, reinforcing the view that consistency across competitions remained a critical challenge for the team. The outcome prompted discussions about the strategic direction of the club and the pathways to restoring silverware in the near future.
Earlier in the summer, a former adviser to Leonid Fedun spoke about the DNA of Spartak, emphasizing that the club’s identity is built on resilience, talent development, and a clear sense of collective purpose. The remarks underscored the ongoing debate among supporters and analysts about how Spartak can blend experience with youth, shore up its defensive structure, and recover the edge needed to compete for domestic honors once again. The dialogue around Spartak’s culture and squad-building continues to shape expectations for the coming season, as fans anticipate a more consistent level of performance across all competitions.