“Locomotive”
Lokomotiv approached the start of the season as an obvious contender for a place in the top three – the selection of players allowed Mikhail Galaktionov to set such tasks for the team. During the first half of the season, the railway workers generally performed well and stayed close to the top three, but after the winter break they failed to return to form.
In the championship, Lokomotiv lost 1:2 to Dynamo in the derby, then lost points at home in a confrontation with the last team of the championship, Sochi (2:2). The railway workers also have problems in the Cup – after a 2:2 away draw, Lokomotiv was considered the favorite in the second leg against Baltika, but only scored a draw and proved weaker in penalty shootouts, but still has a chance in regions.
“Krasnodar”
Previously, Musaev had already led Krasnodar, and very successfully. He has been involved in the Sabaha project in recent years. The coach confirmed his status as an extraordinary and successful specialist. He lifted the team from last place and led to a record result – silver medals at the Azerbaijan Championship.
Musaev knows how to choose the right words, charge his players and get the best result. It won’t take much time to master. The specialist knows the structure of Krasnodar better than many. He started coaching at the academy in 2011. Murad worked in the club system for many years.
Before Musaev moved to Sabah, Krasnodar, under his leadership, demonstrated excellent and productive football. The strategy built by Ivic will certainly transform in favor of a more offensive style. Pragmatism stopped bearing fruit in the last part of the season.
Interesting statistics
– “Krasnodar” lost to “Lokomotiv” in Moscow in five of the last seven personal meetings;
– Lokomotiv have scored at least two goals against Krasnodar in the last three consecutive meetings in Moscow;
– In six of the last seven league matches involving Lokomotiv, goals have been exchanged.
Forecast: Lokomotiv looks unattractive after the winter break and has yet to win the championship.
But Krasnodar is also not impressive. However, a change in head coach should shake up the team. Most likely, the teams will exchange goals. Both clubs really need a victory.
Andrey Andreev, Sport.Ru
Source: Sport
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
