Alexander Maksimenko, the goalkeeper for Spartak, discussed the new team atmosphere that has taken shape under the guidance of Guillermo Abascal, highlighting the sense of unity within the squad as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The mood, he noted, is genuine and tangible; players are not simply speaking about effort, they are visibly enjoying their work and pushing each other to excel. This collective energy translates into daily improvements, reinforcing a steady trajectory of cooperation and performance as the season unfolds.
Abascal assumed control of Spartak at the outset of the 2022/23 campaign, bringing a clear direction and a fresh approach to training, tactics, and team dynamics. Since his arrival, the players have demonstrated a growing willingness to embrace new methods, with the coaching staff focusing on building trust, communication, and a shared understanding of on-field responsibilities. The result is a squad that approaches each training session and match with intent, driving the common goal of climbing the table and delivering consistent results.
In the Russian Premier League standings, Spartak stood in second place after 17 rounds, accumulating 36 points and trailing leaders Zenit, who held a comfortable edge at the top. Sergei Semak’s squad led the chase, with the red-and-white squad positioned six points behind the leaders. The third spot was occupied by Rostov, led by Valery Karpin, with Spartak sitting just one point behind the bronze medal position. These numbers reflect a competitive campaign where every fixture counts and setbacks are met with renewed focus and faster responses from the group.
As the season resumed, Spartak faced a decisive test in the Russian Cup Road to the quarterfinals, meeting Lokomotiv Moscow in a tightly contested league encounter that ended 1-0 in favor of Spartak. The return leg is scheduled for February 27, with kick-off at 20:00 Moscow time, offering an opportunity for the club to consolidate momentum and demonstrate resilience in a demanding knockout format. The result underscored the team’s ability to translate preparation into results on big occasions, a theme that supporters hope will continue as the campaign progresses.
Earlier discussions highlighted the high expectations surrounding Spartak’s return leg against Lokomotiv, with Valery Kechinov noting that the red-whites are favorites to advance in the cup tie. Kechinov, a former striker for the club, emphasized the improvements seen since Lokomotiv appointed Mikhail Galaktionov as head coach and strengthened the squad with several new signings. He pointed out that Lokomotiv has evolved significantly, which adds extra pressure on Spartak to perform at a high level and justify the confidence of their supporters. This contextual analysis mirrors the broader sentiment within Russian football, where every fixture carries weight and the ability to adapt quickly is crucial to competing at the highest level. (Attribution: official club communications)