Spartak were very quiet last summer and coach Tedesco opted to trust mainly players already in the squad in what was his last season in charge as the German announced from as early as November that he won’t be extending his stay in Russia past this season.
The start to the campaign was great (W8 D3 L1) and up until December Spartak were the best away team in the league. Ponce and Larsson formed great partnership in attack and both scored many goals in 2020. Meanwhile, after joining on loan for round 11, Moses immediately became key figure on the right flank.
Spartak probably lost their realistic title chances on each side of the winter break when they suffered 3 consecutive defeats against direct rivals – Sochi, Zenit and Rubin.
However, smart strengthening in the winter months saw ex-Spartak super star Promes added to the ranks and also, after half a season plagued by injuries, Sobolev recovered during long winter break and he was the main partner for Larsson in 2021.
Still the qualification for Europe was hanging on the balance and when back-to-back defeats were suffered in rounds 25 and 26 Spartak dropped out of the top 4. However, 10 points from their last 4 games proved enough not only for place in Europe, but also for Champions League spot.
Yet to find new manager and only when such is appointed in will be clearer which direction the transfer activity in the summer will move. In any case Spartak would find it very hard to keep their Player of the Season Larsson with Dortmund already placing offer for his services.
