Russian football club Torpedo Moscow navigates relegation threats with a hoped-for boost from Artem Dzyuba
A former president of Torpedo Moscow, Ilya Gerkus, believes that the presence of striker Artem Dzyuba could play a decisive role in preventing the club from dropping out of the Russian Premier League (RPL). This perspective was echoed in comments attributed to Match TV, highlighting the potential impact of a high-profile signing in a moment of serious challenge for the team.
Gerkus reflected on the club’s recent downturn, noting that the team had briefly seemed to be in a position to survive the season with the right transfer moves. He emphasized a sense of responsibility for the club’s fate, asking whether the addition of Dzyuba could have been the decisive factor to keep Torpedo in Russia’s top flight. In his view, the decision to appoint Talalaev as head coach was not a mistake, but rather a choice made under his leadership, and he suggested that the right leadership and player acquisition could have altered the outcome for Torpedo. These remarks came as the club faced a difficult phase, with practical concerns about staying afloat in a competitive league. (Source: Match TV)
The club’s chances were further tested after a 0:3 defeat against CSKA in the 27th week of the Russian Championship. That loss effectively ended Torpedo’s hopes of securing a residence permit for another season in the RPL, marking a critical setback in their campaign. The result underlined the magnitude of the challenge facing the team, which needed more than one good performance to reverse a difficult run of form. (Source: Match TV)
Earlier in the season, Torpedo Moscow had earned promotion by winning the First Division, returning to the RPL after a seven-year absence. The campaign was marked by instability off the field as well, with the club undergoing four different head coaches before settling under the leadership of Spaniard Josep Clotet. The turnover in coaching staff reflected the turbulence common in clubs striving to stabilize performance while negotiating the demands of top-tier competition. (Source: Match TV)
Artem Samsonov, a former captain of Torpedo, voiced hopes that the team could rebound and reclaim a place in Russia’s premier league. His perspective underscored the enduring belief among club officials, players, and supporters that talent and strategic planning could still pave the way back to stability in the RPL. The broader narrative around the team centers on rebuilding momentum, evaluating squad depth, and aligning leadership with rigorous on-field demands to secure a return to elite competition. (Source: Match TV)