The ongoing discussions surrounding Moscow Spartak and the Serbian manager Vladimir Ivic have taken a pause. Ivic had been linked with Krasnodar, but talks halted after the club’s leadership delayed a decision about the coach. A recent report attributed to journalist Ivan Karpov notes that the negotiation process was put on hold, with a Telegram channel cited as the channel through which the information circulated.
The core reason for the pause centers on the club’s board not yet committing to dismissing Guillermo Abascal and preferring to have him continue in his role through the summer. Such a stance signals a willingness to see how the season unfolds under Abascal before making a final call on the coaching lineup, a decision that could shape the team’s strategy and morale in the short term.
Meanwhile, Karpov’s report adds another layer to Ivic’s situation. The Serbian coach has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Razvan Lucescu at PAOK in Greece should Lucescu depart the club in pursuit of a league title. PAOK, currently in a tight race for the top of the Super League, sits just two points behind leader AEK after earning 63 points. The landscape in Greece is volatile, and Ivic’s name is among the most discussed as clubs weigh their options for the upcoming campaign.
Turning back to Krasnodar, official communications on March 13 confirmed that Vladimir Ivic stepped down from his head coaching role. The previous day had marked a setback for the team, with a defeat to Khimki that also led to elimination from the Russian Cup. Ivic had been at the helm since January 2023, and under his guidance, Krasnodar achieved a noteworthy sixth-place finish in the Russian Premier League in the prior season. The club also advanced to the National Cup final, where they were defeated by CSKA in a dramatic penalty shootout, a game that still dominates conversations among supporters and analysts alike.
In the aftermath of Ivic’s resignation, questions arose about the club’s reaction from players and staff. Reports have circulated about how Krasnodar’s squad responded to the managerial change, with discussions focusing on shifts in training routines, tactical adjustments, and the emotional impact of leadership changes mid-season. The broader context involves a club contending with high expectations while navigating the realities of a demanding domestic calendar and the prestige of European competition considerations.
For Krasnodar, the departure marks a transition period that could influence how the team rebuilds its momentum as the season progresses. The club’s supporters and analysts will be paying close attention to who steps into the head coaching role next and how quickly the squad adapts to new systems and instructions. The interplay between managerial decisions, player performance, and strategic planning will likely determine Krasnodar’s trajectory in the immediate future, both domestically and in cup competitions.
As the football world monitors the ripple effects of these changes, Ivic’s future remains a topic of interest for multiple clubs across the region. His name is repeatedly raised in conversations about potential suitors who are seeking a coach with a track record of stabilizing teams and achieving solid league finishes. Whether he remains with Krasnodar, joins Spartak, or takes another opportunity elsewhere, Ivic’s next moves will be watched with keen attention by fans, pundits, and stakeholders who care about the competitive balance of the league and the broader dynamics of European football.
Note: All information cited is drawn from public reports and commentary circulating within the football community, reflecting the evolving nature of managerial negotiations in top-flight competitions.