Football Season Guide

This was a summer of major changes in Kazan and for the new season Rubin will have a completely new face. After two dreadful campaigns of existence in the lower parts of the table the Tatars had to do something and they decided to open the bank and also look for a manager abroad. Spaniard Javi Garcia was appointed in charge and very quickly he started restructuring the squad. As things stand at the minute he already completed the signings of seven new players, most of them foreign ones, and without hesitation let nine of the rarely used ones go away. This serious change in personnel suggest that Rubin might need a month or so to build their new synchrony and also with the existing limit of six foreigners on the pitch it is yet to be seen how the gaffer will balance the playing time between his new arrivals and the old players. Zambrano and Sanchez are new names in the heart of the defence and with eight centre-backs at his disposal Garcia is likely to look to offload some. Both newcomers are experienced, but their time on the pitch might be limited by the restriction mentioned above. Veteran Kuzmin is still likely to start as right-back, with another newcomer Bauer arriving as a very strong cover. The other regular starter in defence is expected to be Nabiulin. Ozdoev and one of Kambolov or Catkas will form the double-six pair in the 4-2-3-1 formation used so far in the friendlies, although if M’Vila decides to stay he is likely to be preferred to partner Ozdoev. Up front a new look of the attack is expected as a lot of money were paid for all of Samuel, Lestienne and Rochina and they are promised regular starting spots. Kannunikov or Portnyagin are the choice to lead the attack. Rubin have very large squad at the minute and there are numerous other options and players willing to impress. Without a doubt the first few rounds will be a chance for everyone to make a statement and the ambitions of the new gaffer are to see his team back in Europe next summer. If the start is good the Tatars have the depth and potential to maintain good pace all throughout and despite the many changes the pundits think that Rubin will be a factor in the distribution of the top places once again. Of course, there is always the danger of things going horribly wrong with so many players not used to play in harsh winter conditions, but everyone is determined to avoid this negative scenario.