Spartak waiting for the great leap forward

Autumn revolution
As summer turned into autumn in Moscow, Spartak were undergoing major changes. Valeri Karpin replaced Sergei Shavlo as the club's chief executive and swiftly disposed of coach Stanislav Cherchesov, bringing in former Danish international Michael Laudrup to replace the celebrated one-time Soviet Union goalkeeper. Fans acclaimed the changing of the guard, but are yet to see much joy on the pitch.

Less than brilliant
Less than stunning under Cherchesov, Spartak have continued to underwhelm under Laudrup. In five Russian Premier-Liga games since the coach signed his contract on 12 September, they have lost three and won just one, against bottom side FC Shinnik Yaroslavl. Laudrup led Spartak to the UEFA Cup group stage, but they only just won their first round tie against FC Baník Ostrava.

Winter refit
Karpin is now urging fans to be patient ahead of major winter restructuring. "There will certainly be big changes," said Karpin. "Most probably there will be four to six signings. When I asked our guys what they have won in their careers, only [defender] Clemente Rodríguez had something to say. We need players with a winning mentality, people who will be in despair every time they lose."

Titov rumours
The club have not ruled out a return for the talismanic Yegor Titov, who was shipped off to FC Khimki following a row with Cherchesov earlier this season. "Laudrup and his assistants are now travelling and looking for players in the Russian league that can help us, but Titov is also in the list," conceded former Russian international Karpin.

Laudrup hopeful
Laudrup insists he is still hoping to get more from his current players. "At the moment we're not going to axe anyone," he told uefa.com. "There will be a chance for everyone to prove their worth." He also noted that his players' attitude is improving. "During training, players are listening to me very carefully, trying to learn something new. That pleases me very much."