Dmitry Alenichev, a former Spartak player and a former head coach, shared his view that Russian Premier League clubs should not abandon foreign players entirely. He argued for a balanced approach that prioritizes developing and trusting local talents while still ensuring that qualified foreign players continue to contribute meaningfully to the league. The idea is to create a healthy mix where homegrown prospects are given room to grow, but proven imports can help raise the competitive standard when needed.
Alenichev pointed out that the timing for European competition participation remains unclear. The strategy should favor nurturing domestic talent, yet there is no reason to dismiss foreign stars, especially those who have already demonstrated their value. Players such as Promes are cited as examples of high-quality imports who can compete at a high level. Khvicha, who previously wore the club’s colors, is recognized today as one of the world’s top players. Pinyaev is another rising name showing strong form, alongside a pool of other talented players competing in the domestic championship. Alenichev stressed the importance of trusting academy graduates while warning against letting influential legionnaires slip away, particularly those who hesitate to join the league, a situation he explained on Match TV as part of a broader discussion about talent retention and recruitment in Russian football.
It is worth noting that last year FIFA allowed foreign players in the Russian Premier League to suspend their contracts. This rule offered flexibility for clubs and players during periods of disruption and helped maintain a stable competitive balance within the league. The policy underlined how international mobility can cushion clubs against sudden changes and preserve the integrity of the season for both teams and the broader football ecosystem.
In the current season, after week 23 of the Russian Premier League, Zenit holds the lead in the standings. The gap to second place Rostov stands at nine points, with Rostov having drawn in the most recent round. Spartak and several other clubs remain in the upper echelon, while the table continues to move as the season advances. Zenit’s solid performance continues to sharpen the competition, highlighting the club’s consistent form and strategic depth as the campaign unfolds.
Earlier there was a report from Paris NN regarding the dismissal of coach Artem Gorlov, which was explained at the time. The broader context around coaching changes and strategic shifts in Russian football continues to influence how clubs manage talent pools, including the balance between developing domestic players and integrating foreign players who can elevate the league’s level of play. This ongoing evolution shapes decisions on player development, recruitment, and the integration of international talent into a domestic framework that seeks long-term sustainability and success for clubs across the country.