Former Moscow club coach Valery Gladilin weighed in on the recent match between Spartak and Rostov during the Winline Winter RPL Cup, focusing on the team’s goal-line drama and the performance of goalkeeper Alexander Maksimenko. According to Euro-Football.Ru, Gladilin did not describe the red-and-white’s goal line as weak. He suggested that the real issue was not a lack of solidity at the back but disarray in the coaching staff and on-field leadership as the game unfolded.
“The position in the squad isn’t the problem, it’s the current situation around the head coach”, Gladilin stated. He noted that the coach appears to be navigating through choppy waters, emphasizing that the selection and tactical approach have become unsettled. He observed that the squad rotation was extensive, with as many as 22 players used in the clash, and that the head coach, Abascal, seems unsure about who should be entrusted as the starting eleven.
Facing uncertainty about tactics, Gladilin warned that upcoming decisions would be critical. He underscored the task of finalizing the lineup before the next set of fixtures, including a forthcoming clash against Zenit. He pointed out that if Spartak is to contend for medals this season, they must perform with dignity and consistency. The veteran analyst also highlighted the current form of St. Petersburg’s side, noting that Zenit appears to be tracking a strong run of results and posing a meaningful test for Spartak.
The most recent meeting between the teams ended in a decisive 3-0 victory for Rostov. Evgeny Chernov, Nikolay Komlichenko, and Kirill Shchetinin found the net, sealing a one-sided result that left Spartak with questions to answer ahead of their next appearances. The match took place in Abu Dhabi, underscoring how both clubs have navigated a demanding schedule in this tournament window.
Looking ahead, Spartak is scheduled to play Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates on February 9, followed by a February 11 fixture against Kairat from Kazakhstan, as part of a packed calendar that tests squad depth and strategic clarity. These fixtures will serve as a barometer for Spartak’s progress and for Abascal’s ability to settle on a consistent approach amid mounting expectations.
Abascal took over Spartak at the start of the 2022/23 season, and the club subsequently extended his contract as the campaign progressed, accompanied by a salary review. In the previous season, under his management, Spartak finished third in the Russian Championship, a result that set a baseline for expectations. The current tactical discussions and selection debates reflect an ongoing process as the team seeks to translate past success into a stable, competitive run this year.
Earlier comments from Abascal regarding Rostov’s defeat have been part of a broader narrative about the side’s performance, with observers looking for the coach to establish a clear identity and a sharper game plan. The evolving situation at Spartak underscores the challenge of guiding a storied club through transitional periods while maintaining competitive momentum in domestic and regional competitions.