Coaching revolution in Russia

by Eduard Nisenboim and Pavle Godnidze

The Russian top-flight has two new faces on the coaching scene this season indicating a fresh approach to football thinking in the country.

New jobs
Igor Shalimov and Sergey Aleinikov, part of the first generation of Soviet and Russian players who made an impact in the top European leagues, have taken positions at Premier-Liga clubs FC Uralan Elista and FC Torpedo-Metallurg Moskva to become the league's youngest coaches.

Similar careers
Former Internazionale FC player Shalimov and ex-Juventus FC great Aleinikov have plenty in common. Both played for the Soviet Union at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and moved to Serie A the same year. The pair then went on to win the UEFA Cup with their respective clubs.

Leading the way
Should Shalimov and Aleinikov succeed, it could pave the way for others with experience of Europe's élite to follow suit. Neither have a proven pedigree as coaches. Shalimov had previously led second division FC Krasnoznamensk, while Aleinikov's only experience was coaching two Serie D clubs in Italy.

Much to prove
"I had a lot of unspent energy and ambition," Shalimov said. "I want to show people that Shalimov is far from over yet. Also, there is a strong intention on my side to pass on the experience I have." Aleinikov is equally enthusiastic. "I was coaching children in my home in the Italian town of Lecce, and tried working with Serie D clubs," he said. "I think I spent this time in vain."

Good support
The new coaches not only introduced new ideas, but have also surrounded themselves with others who experienced football life abroad. Nikolay Pisarev, who has played in Germany and Spain, is helping Shalimov while Aleinikov has the help of Sergei Shavlo, who spent several years as part of the coaching staff at Austrian club FK Rapid Wien.

Education wanted
Both coaches are determined to pass on their knowledge, with 33-year-old Shalimov keen to impart a wininng mentality into his side. He said: "Russians have always been strong as a team, but each team needs strong personalities, who take the responsibility and deliver the result. I am trying to get players to think, to educate themselves as winners".

Focus the key
Aleinikov, 41, also wants his side to focus is completely on the task at hand. He said: "Professionalism as we know it and professionalism in the West are two different things. I spent ten years in Italy, and little has changed in Russia during this time - players still lack correct attitude to their work. Well, we are here to teach them."

Tactical differences
The European influence has already been seen in the tactics displayed by both sides this season. Shalimov has shown a liking for two defensive midfield players in front of a flat back line, while Aleinikov has picked a system using three defenders and two strikers, also uncharacteristic in Russia.

Time needed
So far the indications are that it will take time for the new methods to show fruition. Uralan and Torpedo-Metallurh have started slowly in the 2003 season occupying the last two places in the table after six games. "My contract is for three years, and the first season is simply about laying a foundation for further work."

Spartak respect
Shalimov is certainly aiming high, targeting the success of Oleg Romantsev who has won the Russian title nine times with FC Spartak Moskva. Shalimov believed the time was right for fresh impetus. "If his team with such an approach is still the best in Russia, there's a chance that a man with foreign experience can turn this situation head over heels," he said. It may take a little time, but if determination counts for anything there could soon be a revolution in Russian football.