The very depth of 2008 brought huge change into FC Spartak management. Valery Karpin replaced Sergey Shavlo as Spartak CEO while hard-edged and decisive Stanislav Cherchesov stepped off the job and after lasting negotiations Michael Laudrup became a new Spartak manager.

Laudrup is best known for his playing career, a short spell in Getafe and 4 years spent in Brøndby still didn’t earn him firm managerial reputation. Of course, fans did not expect ten victories in a row, but still 8th place in Premier League, UEFA Cup failure and generally weak game couldn’t be ignored. Even though Laudrup’s Spartak gained a victory over worst rival, CSKA, his results are controversial. This could be explained by the allocation of two captains, Titov and Kalynychenko, and Rubin’s tremendous pace.

Laudrup’s full potential will be revealed in the upcoming season, the team had a robust pre-season training, some shopping has been made. On March the 15th we will see a refreshed Spartak. Still after marvelous Zenit and CSKA displays in UEFA Cup one might doubt Spartak’s ability to compete with such pace, temper and uncompromising attitude.

Laudrup will need a hit to win over CSKA and Zenit, Russian best clubs so far.