Former striker Dmitry Bulykin weighs in on Stanislav Cherchesov’s coaching fit for Lokomotiv and beyond
Former Lokomotiv Moscow forward Dmitry Bulykin recently explored the idea of Stanislav Cherchesov taking the helm at Lokomotiv or at any top club. According to Bulykin, Cherchesov is a manager who can adapt to diverse squads and still deliver results. He noted that Cherchesov has already demonstrated the ability to work with different groups and achieve successes on the field, a quality that makes him a viable option for many teams. The decision about Lokomotiv’s coaching position would ultimately hinge on evaluating Mikhail Galaktionov’s performance as the team’s head coach, a point Bulykin highlighted as a potential factor in Cherchesov’s future role. The assessment was reported by Sports Express, reflecting on Cherchesov’s broader coaching appeal and readiness to lead a club at the top level.
Lokomotiv Moscow sits eighth in the Russian Premier League standings, with twelve points accrued so far in the campaign. This position frames the conversation around leadership decisions and the potential impact of introducing a coach with international experience, such as Cherchesov, who has previously steered national and club sides to notable results.
Cherchesov’s coaching journey includes a recent stint with the Hungarian club Ferencvaros, where he took charge at the end of December 2021. Under his guidance, Ferencvaros captured the domestic league title and the National Cup, signaling Cherchesov’s capability to build winner teams. His tenure with Ferencvaros ended in July 2023 after the club was eliminated from Champions League qualification by the Faroese squad Klaksvik. The experience contributed to the broader narrative about his strategic approach and adaptability across different leagues and football cultures.
On the international stage, Cherchesov has had notable moments as a national team coach. One period saw the Russian national team advance to the quarterfinals at the World Cup under his leadership, a achievement that underscored his capacity to guide a squad through demanding tournaments. Despite that run, the team did not reach the later rounds, with the campaign highlighting both the potential and the limits of the side at major events. In the 2020 European Championship cycle, the Russian team faced a challenging group stage, finishing in a position that placed them outside the playoff picture, as the team contended with strong opponents in a difficult group. This history reflects the mixed results that can shape a coach’s career and his marketability to clubs seeking experience and a proven track record in high-stakes competitions.
In addition to his public track record, Cherchesov has addressed questions about where his leadership would best fit, including his stance on certain offers from abroad. He has previously shared reasons for not pursuing a coaching opportunity with a Saudi club, illustrating the choices and considerations that guide a coach’s career path and the broader strategic fit with a club’s culture and objectives. These statements help frame Cherchesov as a figure who weighs fit and long-term prospects as much as immediate opportunities, a factor that clubs consider when evaluating him as a potential manager for elite competitions and national teams alike.