Toros Torpedo changes and coach Kononov appointment analyzed by experts
Former Torpedo Moscow head coach Boris Ignatiev discussed the recent appointment of Oleg Kononov, the former mentor at Krasnodar and Spartak, to the team’s coaching post. Ignatiev spoke to socialbites.ca, backing the personnel decision while pointing to a number of management issues within the club. According to him, the tasks set by the club were unclear and the direction remained amorphous. He noted a lack of visible strategic steps aligned with the goals announced by the club and said that the rift between the coaching staff and the administrative bodies was evident.
Ignatiev summed up his view by saying Kononov probably deserves the chance at this level. He described Kononov as a capable, independent figure with creative instincts, yet he warned that the team’s leadership group at Torpedo does not seem aligned with the sporting challenges the club faces. The expert observed hesitation and inconsistent decisions, recalling that Gorlov was appointed last year for reasons not explained publicly, and now Kononov has taken the spot. The question looms: will Kononov remain for a meaningful period or will uncertainty persist among the top brass?
While Ignatiev defended Kononov as a confident coach and skilled specialist, he stressed that the outcome would depend on the club’s senior executives who recruit, shape the squad, and oversee development. He argued that those in charge must fully understand the processes involved and avoid quick, reactionary moves. The coach should be prepared for a thoughtful evaluation based on a clear concept, plan, and direction. Only after a solid evaluation of Kononov’s approach should decisions about staffing and potential changes be considered. The emphasis, according to Ignatiev, should be on selecting a qualified specialist, spending ample time assessing abilities, and inviting him to the team only after genuine alignment is established, rather than inviting and then dissolving the staff shortly after seeing the plan in action.
Kononov entered his role as Torpedo’s third coach this season. The club had earlier dismissed Spaniard Josep Clotet, replacing him with Artem Gorlov, and Gorlov’s resignation had been announced the day before. The contract with Kononov runs for two and a half years. Torpedo competes in the First League, the second tier of Russian football. After twenty rounds, the team sits eighth with 27 points, trailing the leader Dinamo Makhachkala by ten points.
Kononov’s coaching career in recent years includes a stint at Arsenal Tula, where he was dismissed in January 2023 after joining the club in the summer of 2022. He then briefly led Saturn Ramenskoye in spring 2023, leaving the team in August of the same year. The evolving leadership landscape at Torpedo continues to be a topic of discussion among observers who monitor the club’s strategy and performance.
Within broader transfer discussions around Russian clubs, there has been chatter about potential moves involving players such as Anton Miranchuk. The focus remains on how Torpedo’s management will navigate player recruitment and development as the season progresses and the club seeks to climb the league table. This period is seen by analysts as a test of the collective leadership’s ability to implement a coherent plan and sustain a stable coaching structure that supports long-term goals. These insights come from a range of sports analysts and former executives who evaluate how management choices translate into on-field results and organizational confidence.