Spartak’s new head coach, Alexei Zhamnov, laid out a practical plan aimed at balancing his duties with the club and the national team without forcing a choice between one and the other. He stressed that the current schedule isn’t overloaded, which enables him to focus on both roles with careful time management. His approach is clear: he will continue his studies alongside his national team obligations and his responsibilities at Spartak, ensuring that neither commitment diminishes the other. There is substantial work ahead, he acknowledged, but he is not stepping back from Spartak and remains fully devoted to advancing the club’s ambitions. [Spartak press office]
Zhamnov’s long-standing relationship with Spartak began when he joined the club’s leadership in 2015. Over the years he has served as vice-president and chief executive, and later assumed duties as an advisor to the head of the supervisory board. He also spearheaded the Spartak Academy project, guiding the organization’s development programs and cultivating new talent. This broad spectrum of responsibilities reflects a leadership philosophy that seeks to strengthen both hockey operations and the club’s broader development pipeline. [Spartak corporate communications]
In September 2021, Zhamnov was appointed head coach of the Russian national ice hockey team. During his tenure, the national squad earned a silver medal at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, highlighting his ability to lead at the highest echelons of international competition. The achievement reinforced his reputation as a strategist capable of coordinating elite talent, managing high expectations, and driving performance under intense pressure. [national team records]
Beyond coaching, Zhamnov was drawn into broader discussions about leadership and stardom within the sport. He was asked to compare a standout hockey figure to Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer. The comparison sparked debate across sports, but Zhamnov’s reflection underscored how exceptional players can shape an era, influence tactical thinking, and spark wider interest in ice hockey both inside Russia and abroad. The moment invites fans to consider what makes a player truly exceptional in a team sport and how leadership combined with skill can elevate an entire program. [interview excerpts]