The new head coach of Fakel Voronezh, Vadim Evseev, gave his first interview in this role and shared a clear habit that guides his approach across leagues: he constantly watches the Russian Premier League (RPL) and studies his own team’s performances. He explained that no matter what level he works at, the RPL remains a central source of insight and a benchmark for the quality of football in the country. He also noted that he keeps tabs on Torch matches and carefully analyzes key moments from their contests. For instance, he recalled a home game against Dynamo where the first half didn’t go as planned, and then he found reasons for optimism as the game unfolded. He smiled at the memory while emphasizing that the work of a coach never stops, even on days when he is in a different club or another league. The press service of Fakel Voronezh confirmed that Evseev continued to monitor Fakel’s spring games, looking for moments and adjustments that could positively influence the team’s performance on the field.
Fakel Voronezh announced Evseev’s appointment as head coach on May 1. The decision followed his departure from Shinnik Yaroslavl, where he had held a similar role. At the time of his exit, Shinnik sat in 11th place in the First Division with 37 points after 28 rounds. Fakel, by contrast, stood 14th in the RPL with 21 points after 25 matches, illustrating the challenge and potential facing the new coaching era in Voronezh.
Evseev’s journey as a manager began in earnest when he took charge of Shinnik in June 2021, signing a two-year contract. In his first season with the club, he steered Shinnik to win Group 2 of FNL-2 and secure promotion to the Second Division, marking a notable early achievement that shaped expectations for his subsequent steps in Russian football. His track record highlights a capacity to lead teams through transitions, adapt strategies, and seek improvement through careful analysis, even when results are mixed at the moment.
Analysts and veterans of the game have weighed in, comparing Evseev’s managerial style to figures who have shaped similar clubs in the past. Andrey Kanchelskis, the former Manchester United midfielder and Russia international, remarked that Evseev bears some similarities to Spartak Gogniev, Khimki’s former mentor. The comments reflect ongoing discussions about coaching philosophies, the ability to motivate players, and how a coach’s vision translates into results across different squads and leagues. For Fakel, the emphasis remains on assembling a credible plan, building team cohesion, and translating attention to tactical details into competitive performances on match days.