Famous Soviet and Russian figure skating coach Tatyana Tarasova weighed in on the dispute between Spartak’s Guillermo Abascal and goalkeeper Alexander Sobolev, saying she stood with the coach in the disagreement. The broadcaster Match TV shared the coach’s stance as part of its coverage.
Tarasova argued that a coach has to act according to his judgment and that the idea of a player challenging a directive is unacceptable. In her view, the coach’s word should carry weight, and there should be a clear line between instruction and discussion. Tarasova emphasized that without such discipline, teams risk losing structure and consistency, which could undermine performance across matches and training sessions.
According to a report by journalist Ivan Karpov on October 18, Abascal reportedly suspended Sobolev from training with the squad due to disciplinary infractions. The coach reportedly expressed particular dissatisfaction with Sobolev missing the team breakfast, underscoring the importance of routine and collective discipline within a professional squad. This incident added fuel to a broader conversation about leadership, accountability, and the expectations placed on individual players within a high-stakes environment.
In the current Russian Premier League season, Sobolev has appeared in nine Spartak fixtures, contributing two goals and three assists. His form has included moments of promise alongside periods of inconsistency, a pattern that sometimes reignites debates about how coaches balance attacking intent with tactical discipline. The player also featured for the national team in October, scoring in one of two appearances, a contribution that keeps him on the radar for continued selection and national duty amid intense competition for forward roles.
Spartak finished eleven rounds with eighteen points, placing eighth in the standings. The club faced a challenging next fixture, with an upcoming match against Paris NN that could become a pivotal moment in their season, testing the squad’s resilience and strategic adjustments under Abascal. The leadership approach and the handling of disciplinary matters were expected to play a significant role as the campaign progresses, shaping team morale and cohesion during a demanding stretch of fixtures.
Abascal’s stance on discipline and commitment has been a recurring theme in discussions about Spartak’s performances this season. Observers note that his approach to managing a squad with high expectations seeks to create a consistent framework, where players understand the consequences of non-compliance and the value of unity in pursuit of collective goals. The dynamic between coach and players continues to attract attention from fans and analysts alike as the club navigates the pressures of domestic competition and the demanding schedule of the league.