Torpedo Moscow’s board member Anatoly Khodorovsky stated that the club was not prepared to compete in the Russian Premier League (RPL) for the 2022/23 season. He emphasized, in remarks captured by Match TV, that the absence of a solid club infrastructure meant the organization was not ready to step up to the top flight. This candid admission highlights broader issues the club faced as it considered a return to Russia’s elite division.
Avtozavodtsy, commonly known as the Black and White, returned to the RPL last season after a lengthy absence from Russia’s premier competition. Their campaign ended with 3 wins, 4 draws, and 21 losses over 28 rounds. The struggles left them with 13 points, placing them at the very bottom of the table in 15th position. The season’s performance underscored the challenges of reestablishing themselves at the highest level and the need for structural strengthening to compete effectively week in and week out.
As the season progressed, Torpedo faced the harsh reality that their window to remain in the RPL had closed sooner than anticipated. With the campaign drawing to a close, it became clear that the club would transition back to the First Division, a move that reflected the ongoing process of rebuilding and reorganization required to climb back to the top tier in Russian football.
Looking ahead, Torpedo prepared for the remaining two rounds of the championship, which would see them playing at home in Orenburg before traveling to Moscow to take on Lokomotiv, the capital-based club. These final fixtures represented both a test of resilience for the squad and an opportunity to demonstrate genuine progress amid a challenging season. The results of these matches would be watched closely by supporters and stakeholders who are keen to see signs of meaningful improvement.
On another front, Anatoly Khodorovsky, a member of Torpedo’s former board, weighed in on the club’s transfer activities, particularly the unsuccessful attempt to sign Artem Dzyuba. The striker ultimately extended his contract with Lokomotiv, extending his stay through the end of the current season into 2024. Khodorovsky’s reflections on the transfer saga shed light on the strategic considerations that shape player recruitment during periods of transition and the difficulties clubs face when negotiating high-profile moves. The decision by Dzyuba to stay with Lokomotiv underscores the competitive dynamics of the market and the delicate balance teams must strike between ambition and practicality during rebuilds.