Football Season Guide

Krylya Sovetov proved the favourites tag at the start of the previous season and managed to complete instant return back in the top-flight after merely a year out of the top division. Aleksandr Tikhonov did a sterling job as he navigated the Samara side to one of the top two places in the division, having barely left the top three all season. Krylya mixed some solid defending with an old-school 4-4-2 system in attack and it proved good enough for the Blues as they finished second in the table, having conceded merely 21 goals in 38 games. Yet, it is always tougher to get established in the top flight and the Blues from Samara know well that the season ahead will be full of stiffer challenges and they should get ready for some testing games. Tikhonov has a well-versed and experienced squad, with plenty still here from the time when Krylya were in the top-flight two years ago. Changes in the summer have been mostly cosmetic, with the two new players so far being full-backs Nikita Chicherin and Vladimir Poluyakhtov. Yet, Krylya also signed up striker Maksim Kanunnikov to bolster options up front. He was part of the national team barely a year or so ago but has struggled badly in the past few months and has lots to prove. Up front, battering ram Sergei Kornilenko is still going strong well into his 30s and will be relied to set the tone in games, while at the back Taras Burlak and Nadson have been forming a superb partnership. The one providing the flair and creativity in midfield is Denis Tkachuk. Tikhonov will rely on his trusted warriors to ensure that the team from Samara is staying clear of trouble at the bottom end of the table and, with the momentum from last season, and a sound and astute coach on the bench, the Wings should enjoy a satisfying campaign.