After Spartak Moscow faced Krasnodar in the twelfth round of the Russian Premier League, head coach Dejan Stankovic stated he would not publicly attack defender Mienti Abena for the two costly errors during the game. He emphasized that the team should consider the defender’s overall contribution rather than a single misstep. The remarks appeared to balance accountability with support, aiming to protect players from unnecessary criticism. The stance reflected a broader view on how to manage setbacks within the squad. — Source: media reports.
Stankovic added that despite the disappointing result, Abena’s earlier performances for Spartak still mattered and should not be erased from the record. The coach argued that a single match cannot define a player’s value over the course of a season. This approach signals a commitment to consistency in selection and a refusal to overreact to a rough outing. — Source: media reports.
“For me, Abena was among the best players in the clash against Rostov; he performed at a high level then. I have my own view about the last game. If experts think that performance did not meet Spartak’s standard, that is their right. If someone wants to claim whether the transfer was my desire or not, let them say so. Yes, that’s my opinion. I will not allow a player to be attacked from behind”, Stankovic said. — Source: media reports.
The match, held at the Lukoil Arena, ended 3-0 in favor of the visitors. Krasnodar opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Cape Verdean midfielder Kevin Lenini tallied his first RPL goal. In stoppage time of the first half, 45+1, Brazilian forward Victor Sa added a second, and late in the game Jesus Medina scored an own goal to cap the score. — Source: media reports.
The encounter was followed online through a live text broadcast. — Source: media reports.
Spartak supporters expressed disappointment after the defeat, with many citing the need for composure and improvement in forthcoming matches. — Source: media reports.