Whispers from reliable sources indicate a major shake-up in the Russian Premier League coaching landscape. Stanislav Cherchesov, a figure synonymous with both success and a certain unyielding resolve, is reportedly on the cusp of a return to top-flight Russian football, with FC Akhmat of Grozny touted as his new destination.
The news comes amidst a precarious start to the new season for FC Akhmat. Their current predicament saw coach Alexander Storozhuk dismissed after a mere 50 days at the helm, a testament to the unforgiving nature of modern football management. Four consecutive defeats across league and cup competitions proved to be the final straw, leaving the Grozny club in desperate need of a fresh tactical vision and, perhaps, a dose of that famous Cherchesov charisma.
A Team in Search of Synergy
Questions naturally arise regarding Akhmat`s performance. Is it a squad issue, or simply a matter of chemistry? According to seasoned football analyst Alexander Grishin, the talent pool at Akhmat is far from lacking. Players like Mansilla, Canote, Sadulaev, and Kasintura, complemented by a capable defensive midfielder, form a robust roster. Grishin`s assessment points to a more fundamental problem: a lack of pre-season cohesion for newly integrated players. “They didn`t have enough time,” he observed, emphasizing that achieving seamless teamwork requires more than just a few matches. The result? Small, seemingly minor defensive lapses compounded into a devastating “zero points” tally.
The Return of a Trophy Magnet
For Stanislav Cherchesov, this potential move marks a significant homecoming. His last stint in the Russian Premier League concluded in July 2014 when he departed Dynamo Moscow, surprisingly, despite a commendable run of results. His career trajectory since then has been nothing short of fascinating, underscoring his reputation as a coach who delivers silverware:
- Legia Warsaw (2015-2016): Cherchesov promptly led the Polish giants to a “golden double,” securing both the league championship and the Polish Cup in 2016.
- Russian National Team (2016-2021): Tasked with leading Russia at their home World Cup in 2018, Cherchesov orchestrated a remarkable campaign, guiding the team to the quarter-finals – a post-Soviet era record. While a subsequent group stage exit at the UEFA Euro 2020 led to his departure, his World Cup achievement remains a highlight in Russian football history.
- Ferencvaros (2021-2023): After his national team tenure, Cherchesov took his talents to Hungary, where he continued his winning ways, securing every available trophy with Ferencvaros over two successful years.
His return to Russia, therefore, isn`t just a coaching change; it`s the potential re-entry of a proven winner into a league that has seen its fair share of tactical merry-go-rounds. His very presence tends to command attention, and occasionally, a stoic glare that could freeze a lesser opponent. Insiders from publications like “Sport-Express,” Sport24, and Metaratings are unified in their reports: the deal is all but done, contingent only on unforeseen circumstances.
A Familiar Ground: Akhmat`s History with Cherchesov
Intriguingly, this isn`t Cherchesov’s first dance with the Grozny club. He previously managed FC Akhmat (then Terek Grozny) from 2011 to 2013. During that period, he established the best points-per-game record in the club`s history, a fact that surely weighs heavily in the decision-makers` favor. This prior success suggests a degree of familiarity and, perhaps, a pre-existing blueprint for success in Grozny.
Reports from “RB Sport” suggest a three-year contract is on the table, indicating a commitment to a longer-term project. Given Cherchesov`s robust playing career – a four-time USSR/Russian champion goalkeeper and a three-time Austrian champion with Tirol – he brings not only coaching acumen but also a deep understanding of the game from the pitch itself. Whether he can replicate his past successes and steady Akhmat`s ship remains to be seen, but the Russian Premier League is certainly about to get a whole lot more interesting.
