Spartak Moscow midfielder Ruslan Litvinov addressed the lingering chatter after the Red-Whites defeated Orenburg 3-1 in the Russian Cup RPL Path quarter-final rematch, specifically addressing the rumors surrounding head coach Guillermo Abascal’s future. Litvinov stressed that the reports circulating in the media were unfounded and emphasized that no reliable information had emerged about any resignation. He added that the team had pushed hard for the club’s success, and the priority remains securing wins and advancing in the tournament.
According to Litvinov, the squad has not encountered any credible confirmation of such changes. He described the rumors as speculative headlines that have no real basis in what the players know about the club’s internal plans. The midfielder underscored that, regardless of rumors, the team’s focus is on performing at a high level and supporting the manager as they strive to strengthen their standing in domestic cup competition.
Looking ahead, Spartak is set to meet Zenit in the Russian Cup RPL Road semi-finals, a clash that promises to test their form and depth as they chase silverware this season. The upcoming matchup will be a pivotal point in Spartak’s campaign, offering a chance to validate the progress shown in the cup routes and reinforce the team’s competitive edge as they push for a top finish in the league as well.
Abascal became Spartak’s head coach before the start of the 2022/23 season and subsequently extended his contract as the campaign progressed, with reports of a salary increase tied to strong results. Last season, under his leadership, Spartak finished third in the Russian Championship, signaling a competitive and steady progress within the squad. There were rumors in the winter about a move to Cadiz, a potential shift that would have placed him back in Spanish football, but no official confirmation emerged, keeping the focus firmly on Spartak’s present challenges and opportunities.
On March 10, Spartak faced a tough home test, losing 0-2 to Fakel Voronezh at Luzhniki. The defeat left the Moscow club in sixth place on 31 points in the league standings, a position that underscored the urgency to consolidate results across all competitions. The setback highlighted the demanding nature of the schedule and the fine margins that separate top finishes from mid-table positions in a competitive Russian season.
The discussion around a foreign head coach’s potential departure has been a recurring theme in recent months. The broader context includes remarks from former foreign coaches about their choices to take a step back or move on from Spartak, weighed against the club’s ambitions and the belt-tightening realities of modern football. While speculation can attract attention, the emphasis for Spartak remains clear: deliver consistent performances, nurture the squad’s depth, and advance through the cup with a clear, collective purpose that aligns with the club’s long-term objectives.