Stankovic Becomes Spartak Moscow Head Coach and Sets a New Course
Dejan Stankovic, the Serbian coach, did not start as Spartak Moscow’s first choice for the head coach position, yet his readiness stood out at his initial meeting with the club’s management. He arrived well prepared, with a clear vision for the team’s style and development, which left senior officials convinced he could lead the project. The impression he left in that session set a tone that colleagues describe as decisive, signaling a potential turning point for Spartak as they faced a demanding season ahead.
Subsequently, Stankovic advanced to a comprehensive interview attended by the full board. During this session, he again impressed board member Pavel Zhdanov with his grasp of tactical detail and leadership presence. Those involved described Zhdanov’s satisfaction as high, and the discussions reportedly tilted in favor of offering the Serb a contract to lead Spartak.
Other contenders under consideration for the coaching role included Albert Riera, who was then in charge of Bordeaux, as well as Pascal Jansen and Vladimir Ivic. The club assessed their track records, coaching philosophy, and compatibility with Spartak’s objectives, weighing how each would translate into immediate impact and long-term stability.
Spartak announced the appointment toward the close of the previous season, and Stankovic took charge in the summer that followed. He joined the club after guiding Ferencvaros in Hungary and had previously led Red Star Belgrade in his homeland, bringing a wealth of top‑flight experience from the Serbian league as well as European competitions.
Spartak have been competing in the Russian Premier League for 11 rounds and sit sixth on the table with 19 points. In the latest league outing, Stankovic’s side produced a convincing 3-0 victory at home against Rostov, underscoring a growing confidence under his leadership. Their next obstacle is the league leaders Krasnodar, a team they trail by eight points in the standings. The upcoming match is scheduled to be played in Moscow on Saturday, October 19, with kickoff at 16:30 Moscow time, a window that can affect North American analysts and fans watching from abroad via streaming. The game represents a crucial test of momentum as Spartak aims to tighten the gap at the top while balancing a demanding schedule that stretches across domestic league fixtures and potential cup commitments.
Earlier in the spring, Spartak introduced a salary cap to govern player wages and ensure financial discipline, a move aligned with broader league-wide efforts to cap spending and promote sustainable competition.