German and Russian defending champions are at loggerheads for the Europa League, the cup for little Napoleons of Europe. Too small for you? Can’t regard Bundesliga small, or Wolfsburg a lauzy side. Yet, with Russia’s pre-season at an end, the impression is that both Rubin and Wolfsburg really are little emperors.
Reconstructing the Bolshoy [Big] Theatre.
The Bolshoy theatre and Russia’s national team aren’t the only institutions currently undergoing reconstruction, a time consuming activity, awashed with opportunity to corrupt money. FK Moskva, one of its newest pillars, had to face demolition. The club, never faced financial troubles, was closed down due to owner’s lost interest in football; MU supporters from the Norwich branch might want to think twice before upsetting The Glazers. Krylya Sovietov looking bleak also, despite government help.
Fourteem professional clubs is all that Russian football could boast right now. But these are fourteen strong clubs, whose top 6-7 easily meet European standards, where Rubin and CSKA are no more alone at the top.
My Top 3, Not That I’m A Good Predictor.
Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit leads the pack. The arrival of Danish full-back Michael Lumb and Serb forward Danko Lazovic overshadows procurement of FK Moskva’s Yuri Zhevnov. The Belorussian goalkeeper, who is set to back-up first choice Malafeev, personifies Zenit’s sound financial investment, proven talent and attactive football environment (notwithstanding the prospect of a brand new 62000 stadium), making them fittest to contend for the title.
Second to follow is Yuri Semin’s Loko, a sleeping giant whose development was hampered with him coaching Russia’s national team in 2005. Having finally brought stability to the club, he's to strengthen with new recruits Dmitry Tarasov and Alexandr Aliev in midfield. Aliev in particular has a missile launcher to bring back memories of Roberto Carlos and Ronald Koeman. Pavlyuchenko and Ismailov are expected to join him this summer.
Dinamo Moscow may be in the middle of reconstructing the legendary stadium, but promising head Coach Andrey Kobelev is otherwise spoilt with resource. He must learn from last season’s failure in sustaining player’s form. With money from past sales, plus wealthy sponsors who used to finance CSKA in the past, their line-up is in fact the most exciting. Complementing the Kombarov twins, we have FK Moscow’s exodus Samedov, Epureanu, Rebko and Chesnauskis – all four worthy of praise for last season performances. The return of former catain Igor Semshov adds class. These acquisitions are more important than Andrey Voronin’s transfer. This weekend Dinamo is to get straight down to business for the opening match in a derby encounter with eternal rivals Spartak Moskva, already a 6-pointer.
Characteristic Supporting Roles
Spartak traditionally set the pace of the competition with 6-pointer openers. Last season, they played Zenit a grinding 1-1 draw on the first matchday. This time, it’s Dinamo. Spartak’s line-up continues to be slightly weaker than other prime contenders. Brazilian forward Ari from AZ Alkmaar is hardly an impressive prospect, but Ibson’s return from injury would bring interesting expectations, at least until Nicola Drincic is ready. No surprise that head coach Valeriy Karpin steals media attention. His vision and brand of football make this Spartak the authorized pace-setters they happen to be. If he leads them to Champions League group stage next August, the world will be gifted with colourful entertainment: Alex, Welliton, Yakovlev and Ananidze. I’d like to see a 3-2 victory for the Meat.
During the first two official matches, CSKA drew 1-1 at home to Sevilla in Champions League, and lost 0-1 against Rubin in the Super Cup. Appreciate CSKA all you want, but Milos Krasic is set to leave after the worl cup, while Leonid Slutskiy is hampered with bad defence. Better hope for Kirill Nababkin’s qualities at right-back (arrival from FK Moskva again!) On the other hand: envy the prospects of Keisuke Honda forming a partnership with Alan Dzagoev behind the striker.
Kazan doesn’t necessarily have smaller chance to retain their title. In fact, many consider them top favorites. But this is only out of respect. In reality, they never set the pace in the Russian League, and following their status as Russian Grand after winning a second title, Rubin is expected to calm down. Traditionally this is what happens. Lokomotiv and CSKA went through such period, despite having maintained the same squad. I believe this is precisely how Berdyev prefers. He takes time and likes to manouver from behind the pack, choosing to gridlock defences and wait for a back-stabbing moment. But I won’t be surprised to see them have a right stab at Europa League. I fancy them Euro-success, actually. A 2-0 victory would be nice tonigh (vs Wolfsburg).
Post-Hiddink Russia.
Hiddink is waiting for Russia to sack him, so he could coach Ivory Coast. I have the feeling that Fursenko is more than priviledged to keep him until June 30. Politics as usual, folks. In reality, fans-favorites Bozovic, Slutskiy and Karpin aren’t ready for the national job. Semin and Gazzaev are seriously busy with club duty. This is on top of their past failures managing two concurent managerial positions. However, expect Fursenko poaching for Capello, again. I wouldn’t strike out the name of your national/club manager from his list.