Nikolai Naumov, a former president of Lokomotiv, suggested that Stanislav Cherchesov could be a fitting choice to lead Spartak if the club decides to part ways with Guillermo Abascal. Naumov conveyed his view to Match TV, emphasizing that Cherchesov remains a credible option among current coaching candidates. He noted that the decision would hinge on the club’s strategic direction and the sense of urgency to stabilize results on the field while maintaining a long-term vision for the squad.
The question of who might replace Abascal has gained renewed relevance after Spartak’s recent cup setback. On October 4, the team was defeated 0-3 by Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Cup, a result that stings but does not erase the club’s progress so far this season. Spartak has already secured a spot in the play-offs, and they currently sit seventh in the Russian Premier League with 16 points, a position that keeps them in contention for a top-four finish as the schedule unfolds. The encounter served as a reminder that head coach decisions often emerge from a mix of immediate results and longer-term expectations, with personnel choices reflecting the club’s ambitions in the domestic league and European qualifiers where applicable.
Abaskal, who took charge at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, arrived with a background that spanned coaching roles in Greece, notably with Volos, and in Switzerland at Basel. His tenure with Spartak marked an era of steady evaluation, culminating in a contract extension that included a salary review as the season progressed. Under his leadership, Spartak achieved a podium finish in the prior campaign, a signal that the club valued continuity and stability while pursuing higher achievements over time. This context helps explain why any potential transition would be weighed against what the current system has delivered and what changes could unlock new levels of performance for the squad.
Vladislav Radimov, a former member of the Russian national team, publicly voiced a critical perspective on the club’s new management, arguing that the current leadership did not fully grasp the nuances of football strategy. His remarks contribute to a wider dialogue that fans and pundits are having about the direction of Spartak, highlighting the tension between experience, proven track records, and fresh approaches in contemporary football management. The conversation around coaching personnel, organizational culture, and tactical adaptability is likely to influence how the club navigates the coming months as they seek to balance immediate results with a sustainable plan for future seasons.