Rostov had transitional season and the combination of major squad overhaul 9-10 rounds into the campaign + pretty poor form after the winter break saw Karpin’s men never finding the consistency needed to challenge for Europe.
Rostov started the campaign without much noise or changes and they looked solid enough in the first 9 rounds (W5 D2 L2). However, for economic reasons and also because the Board were unhappy with the wages to some of the stars major overhaul took place in the middle of the campaign with as many as 10 players, from which 6 regulars, leaving the club between rounds 9 and 11.
Replacements were signed relatively quickly but, as expected, all the new faces needed time to settle in so Rostov mixed 5 wins with 5 defeats in the last 10 rounds of 2020. The rebuilding job continued in the winter too and the RSMs never found their usual flow even after the long training camp. Series of defeats in 2021 and early exit from the Russian Cup dooming their season to mediocrity from early on.
The main strength remained the defending with Rostov never finding reliable goal provider once Shomurodov was sold in September. The big star of the back line was Dennis Hadzikadunic and he had breakthrough campaign.
Rostov rebuilt their squad during a campaign so in the long term this could give them an advantage as the players should be much better accustomed to each other come next season.
