On the evening of 6th August, shockwaves were sent through the Russian football world. In a press conference scheduled late into the Moscow night, club director Konstantin Remchukov revealed that the club would be dramatically slashing the club’s playing budgets, resulting in the departure of several high-profile players. In essence, the Anzhi dream was over. The warnings signs were obvious. First came Guus Hiddink’s sudden departure. Secondly, the signing of Igor Denisov, who within weeks – … [Read more...]
Can the Anzhi Turmoil Lead to a Greater Good?
August 7, 2013 by 1 Comment
In the past 24 hours, Anzhi have been thrown into turmoil. For one reason or another, Suleiman Kerimov has decided to severely cut spending from around $150m+ to between $50m-$70m. There is widespread speculation as to the catalyst to have caused Kerimov to make such a major decision; Kerimov's health has been noted, with reports suggesting that after the 1-0 defeat to Rostov at the weekend, his health took a turn for the worse. However, Hiddink's departure a couple of weeks ago suggests there … [Read more...]
Monday Rewind: July 31 - August 5
August 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
All the Russian football news we can find from around the Web in the last week, published every Monday morning. FRIDAY, AUGUST 2: Zenit Coach Luciano Spalletti Battles Lacklustre Russian Premier League Start - Inside Futbol Round Table: Week Three - Russian Football News SATURDAY, AUGUST 3: Alan Dzagoev: Russia's Euro 2012 star slowly fading into the abyss - O-Posts SUNDAY, AUGUST 4: Making the impossible possible - football in Russia - Back Page Football Rene Meulensteen … [Read more...]
Round Table: Week Two
July 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Pavel (@russianpotter) - Nizhny Novgorod-based young journalist and Spartak supporter, Volga attendee Manuel (@homosovieticus) - PhD Student with focus on Soviet history and football, as well as blogger at Futbolgrad.com (@futbolgradlive) Xavier (@AxeMurderer60) - French Russian football fan and CSKA supporter Ashraff (@serapdesengal) - A Loko supporter and student in Moscow Rob (@RobDillonMTA) - Journalist who specializes in Russian football, Editor of More Than Arshavin John … [Read more...]
Don’t Panic Yet, Anzhi Fans!
July 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Hiddink may be gone and results may be poor but there is still time for Anzhi to improve. 16 year old Matthew Brown thinks that Anzhi fans need to stay calm and stop panicking. (His blog, containing non-Russian football, can be found here: Matty's Footy Thoughts) Anzhi fans will not be happy with their team’s performances so far this season. After spending the most money out of all of the Russian clubs this summer, they would have expected their side to be sitting on top of the table, even … [Read more...]
Guus Hiddink Steps Down at Anzhi Makhachkala
July 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I got the news last night from Ashraff Hasnan, another RFN contributor, who also happened to be at the CSKA - Krylia Sovetov match in Khimki. On the trip home from the arena, overhearing several more conversations about Hiddink's departure, I had the sense everyone else, like me, was trying to process what had happened. Had Hiddink truly resigned? Was he diplomatically asked to leave by Suleyman Kerimov after a draw at home to Lokomotiv and loss to Dynamo? Or had Anzhi planned this transition … [Read more...]
Inside Meulensteen’s Time at Brøndby
July 23, 2013 by 2 Comments
RFN would like to thank Toke Møller Theilade (@TokeTheilade) for the story and English translation. Excerpts from "4 Per Nielsen – Brøndby for evigt?" by Per Nielsen, published 2013, available for purchase here. Meulensteen was appointed Anzhi coach yesterday to much surprise and fanfare. His last head coaching position was a fairly unsuccessful stint at Danish club Brøndby IF. We get to know a little more about Meulensteen as a head coach through his former player at Brøndby, Per … [Read more...]
Meulensteen to Makhachkala is a Real Coup
July 5, 2013 by 1 Comment
An insight into Meulensteen’s career so far and his potential impact at Anzhi. It seems that coaches get no credit for a club’s success. This is especially the case in England, where praise is heaped on players and manager. A good set-up behind the scenes is imperative for triumphs. Backroom staff are only mentioned, especially by fans, when failure happens. Take Newcastle United. Let’s ignore Graham Carr, a man who was credited for every single French gem and excluded from any … [Read more...]
