Zico in CSKA
Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico, comes to Russia as FC CSKA new manager. One of Russia’s most powerful clubs gets a black horse, while Zico faces a severe challenge as CSKA fans’ expectations are high.
Very soon, on February 18, we’ll see Zico’s CSKA in action as CSKA faces Aston Villa in UEFA Cup.
The club
Founded in 1911 CSKA is one of the oldest football clubs in Russia. CSKA is also one of the most admired clubs in Russia, under former manager Valery Gazzaev it won a bunch of trophies: Russian Premier League (2005, 2006), Russian Cup (2005, 2006, 2008), Russian Super Cup (2006, 2007), UEFA Cup (2005).
CSKA is currently building a new stadium (30 000 seats), presumably, it will be opened in 2010.
The most powerful man in the club is Evgenii Giner, CSKA president since 2001.
CSKA is owned by British company Bluecastle Enterprises (49% of stock), Russian company AVO Capital (26%) and Russian Defense Ministry (25%). However, the owners of Bluecastle Enterprises and AVO Capital are unknown.
The coach
Zico was one of the best players in world football, as CSKA striker Vagner Love said, if you know nothing about Zico, you know nothing about football.
Zico is a prominent manager. In 2002 – 2006 he managed Japan national team, with Japan he won Asian Cup 2004.
In 2006 – 2008 Zico worked with Fenerbahche (Istanbul, Turkey). Under Zico Fenerbahche won Turkish Super League Championship (2007) and lifted Turkish Super Cup (2007).
Recently Zico coached FC Bunyodkor (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), one of the richest clubs in the ex-USSR countries.
The squad
On paper CSKA is arguably the best team in Russia. Unlike Zenit (Saint Petersburg) CSKA is not expected to sell many players in the short term.
Igor Akinfeev was the captain in 2007/2008 season. He is the best Russian goalkeeper and one of the most valuable players in CSKA.
Deividas Semberas, who plays as a right full-back, is a Lithuanian international and one of the most experienced players in the club. Central defender Sergei Ignashevich is another important player, he captained CSKA in 2005 – 2007.
Twins Aleksei and Vasili Berezutskis can play as wing backs or central defenders. They are Russian national team regulars. Nigerian international Chidi Odiah and Anton Grigoryev (Russia) are other options in defense.
Serbian international Milosh Krasich is one of the best midfielders in Russian Premier League, he is reportedly targeted by Real (Madrid).
Brazilian midfielders Ramon and Daniel Carvalho haven’t shown their best in the last two seasons, but their potential is high, both have played for Brazil on international level. 20 year old Pavel Mamaev, Bosnian international Elvir Rahimich and former Russia captain Evgeni Aldonin (all midfielders) are also expected to give opponents hell in the upcoming season.
In Yuriy Zhirkov and Alan Dzagoev, both Russian internationals, CSKA’s got brilliant attacking midfielders. Turkish Caner Erkin also has got plenty of skill and talent.
Finally CSKA’s got Vagner Love (Brazil), Russian Premier League best striker in 2007/2008. Other options for the striking position are Ricardo Jesus (Brazil), Dmitri Ryzhov (Russia), Tomash Necid (Czech Republic) – all young, all talented.
The expectations
The fans and the management expect Zico to bring some silverware next season. CSKA aim to win Russian Premier League and Russian Cup, progress in UEFA Cup is also eligible.
In terms of man-management Zico is expected to unlock the potential of several players: Ramon, Carvalho and Erkin.