Lokomotiv Moscow Season Preview

Last season has seen the downfall of the Railway club, as they finished in their worst position yet in the last ten years. Enraged at the way Loko has been run by Olga Smorodskaya, fans became more and more disillusioned with the way their team performed particularly in the second half of the season. Resounding losses, including a 1-4 thrashing by the champion and close rival CSKA, summed up a misery season for them.

The dismissal of Slaven Bilic has been seen as a step to regain trust among the fans. The appointment of an experienced Leonid Kuchuk, believed to fit Lokomotiv’s style better than Bilic, given the latter’s lack of experience at the club level, is seen as positive. However, Kuchuk has a vast job to do, given the players’ confidence is no longer the same after a turbulent campaign.

GREATEST STRENGTH: Lokomotiv’s locker room is flooded with experience. Kuchuk’s vast knowledge of Russian football heads the list, while players like Pavlyuchenko, Caicedo, Zapater and Obinna have plied their trade in bigger leagues before. Club faithfuls, such as Torbinsky, can be decisive, as they can help any signing to settle down quickly at the club. Not to forget, Capello always favors Lokomotiv’s players in his selection.

And Lokomotiv have always been lauded for nurturing youngsters in their team. They have the most promising pair of centre backs, who have been mentioned as future replacements for Ignashevich and Berezutski. Burlak has proved at times that he is able to take the lead at the back alongside Corluka and Durica, but it remains unknown how the gaffer will utilize Maxim Belyaev’s potential. The emergence of Ozdoev (if he stays), Grigoriev and Miranchuk may prove vital, especially as Glushakov is no longer around.

GREATEST WEAKNESS: Lokomotiv’s teamwork was questioned time and time again last season. An inability to combine the creative pair of Torbinsky and Tarasov with the bunch of rotating strikers up front cost them efficiency. With Bilic at the helm, Loko tried to hold possession with both wingers pulling the opposition’s defence out wide and cut into the middle for to shoot. However, poor communication and judgement always cost them, highlighted in games against teams that pushed higher upfield.

KEY PLAYER: If he stays with the club, Aleksandr Samedov will hold the key to unlocking the opponent’s defence again this year. His decent speed and passing, plus maturity in decision making will be important in Loko’s bid for European action next season. However, if he does move to Zenit, it will be exciting to see how new boy Sergei Tkachyov settles in and starts scoring for Loko. He showed his class during loan at Sevastopol last year, and it will help Loko if he can replicate his form here this season.

DEPARTURES/TRANSFER REVIEW: Biggest story so far would be the duo departures of Bilic and ex-captain Glushakov. It will be interesting to see how Kuchuk will handle the pressure of fans and board members. Loko have been doing well in the transfer period, too. The signing of “Russian Hulk”, Tkachyov, is an exciting prospect and a direct replacement for Glushakov. Furthermore, the acquisition of Taras Mykhalyk will be helpful in the development of Burlak and Belyaev if everything works out well. The team might need reinforcements on the left flank. Vitaliy Denisov does not look all comfortable at the back and Maicon’s poor judgement cost the team at times. A fleet-footed left winger and a European-class attacking full back will do the trick.

BEST CASE SCENARIO FOR THE SEASON: Loko will challenge for the top four, if the gaffer can unite the players and manages game play like he did during his time at Kuban perfectly. Exploiting both wingers, just as Ionov and Ozbiliz operated during the season, could definitely improve Loko’s game plan.

WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR THE SEASON: Middle table finish. No matter how poorly the season goes, the bottom half of the table do not have the capability to consistently challenge the top half. Mid-table clashes against the likes of Dynamo, Kuban, Krasnodar and Terek, will hold the key to Loko’s place this season.

INTERESTING FACTS:

1. Loko’s home is Cherkizovo, which will be shared (again!) with rival Spartak. It will be interesting to see whether the new pitch can hold a top match every weekend given its bad reputation. Previously Anzhi Makachkala and CSKA used the stadium too.
2. The Red-Green recorded 9 victories and 2 draws at home last season, losing 4 in the process. They finished 9th in the 2012-13 season, which is their worst season since the establishing of Russian Championship in 1992.
3. Despite a disastrous season, national team manager Fabio Capello called up 5 Lokomotiv players in the match against Portugal, compared to 2 from Kuban and nobody from Terek who both finished above them.

KEY EARLY-SEASON FIXTURES: The visit to Makhachkala will be vital to assess Loko’s preparation, as the Moscow side faces a top contender for the title. Gaining results against Anzhi and Volga will be important in the build-up to the much-anticipated derby against CSKA in Week 3.

SEASON PREDICTION: 5th. Kuchuk has the ability to bring the team forward, like how he did last season with his old club. With Lokomotiv, he has a better pool of players, and far better facilities and more money. Loko can only improve, and if everything turns out perfectly, European qualification is in the cards for them.