Former Torpedo Moscow goalkeeper Ilya Abaev has voiced doubts about the effectiveness of disciplinary measures reportedly implemented by the club under head coach Josep Clotet. Abaev suggested that such sanctions would not yield the intended results in the near term, especially amid a challenging season in which the team is fighting for stability and results.
Earlier this week, media reports claimed that the coach planned to keep players at the training base for several days leading up to the remaining fixtures of the Russian Premier League. The move would limit travel and impose stricter routines in an attempt to recalibrate the squad, according to those reports. Such strategies often aim to foster unity and discipline, but they can also risk fatigue and friction if not balanced with rest and clear messaging to the players.
From a veteran perspective, Abaev argued that locking players to the base is not a prudent tactic. He reflected on his career, noting that there were occasions when a team stayed at the base or in a regional camp, but such decisions were always made with the consent and cooperation of experienced professionals. He emphasized that seasoned players adapt to travel schedules, late finishes, and long flights, prioritizing professionalism and mutual responsibility. Abaev pointed out that adults in the squad typically manage their routines independently, without external coercion, because accountability and self-discipline are part of the professional mindset.
With 25 rounds completed, Torpedo sits in the last position, 16th, in the Russian championship standings. The club has recorded three wins, four draws, and 18 losses in the 2022/23 campaign, a summary that underlines the breadth of the challenges facing both the squad and the coaching staff. This season’s results have prompted discussions about squad rotation, defensive solidity, and the need for sharper attacking pairs to convert chances into points.
Looking ahead, Torpedo is preparing for the 26th round against Akhmat Grozny in Moscow. The fixture is scheduled for May 6 with a kickoff set for 16:30 Moscow time. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether strategic shifts, player development, and on-field cohesion translate into improved performance in the closing stages of the season.
There have been reports about leadership decisions within the club’s leadership and squad exclusions from internal communications. Earlier, it was noted that Yaroslav Savin led the team in administrative matters, while questions arose about why players Ilya Kutepov, Yuri Zhuravlev, and Ravil Netfullin were excluded from certain team communications and training sessions. It was also mentioned that three players faced suspensions from training and from involvement in first-team duties and official matches in the Russian Premier League. These developments highlight the ongoing complexity of managing a squad under pressure and the impact that internal dynamics can have on performance and morale.