Leonid Slutsky criticizes Dmitri Barinov's fit at CSKA
By OnzeActu · · 4 min read

Former coach of CSKA Moscow and the Russian team, Leonid Slutsky expressed his strong opinion on Dmitri Barinov, recently transferred to CSKA, believing that the latter does not correspond to the team's style of play.
Why it matters
Leonid Slutsky's comments on Dmitri Barinov highlight the challenges of integrating a new player into an already structured team. As a former CSKA Moscow coach, his opinion carries weight and could influence fans' and management's perceptions of Barinov's effectiveness in the Russian Premier League. This also highlights CSKA's tactical choices, which must adapt to the skills of the available players.
Key points
- Leonid Slutsky criticizes Dmitri Barinov's fit at CSKA.
- Former coach of CSKA Moscow and the Russian team, Leonid Slutsky expressed his strong opinion on Dmitri Barinov, recently transferred to CSKA, believing that the latter does not correspond to the team's style of play.
- “Особо не нужен”. Слуцкий — о Баринове в ЦСКА.
In a video posted on the YouTube channel “Это футбол, брат! ", Slutsky spoke of Barinov's limited impact on his team's performance. He notably recalled that CSKA's only victory this season came during a period when Barinov was absent due to illness. “Does it seem like a coincidence that the only victory of the season took place while Barinov was ill? I'm not saying it's good or bad. In my opinion, Kisljak is better than Barinov in defensive tasks, without being inferior in offense. Obljakov is more efficient offensively, without being less good defensively. In this triangle, it is not Barinov who stands out, but rather a playmaker,” he explained.
Slutsky emphasizes that the current composition of the midfield, adapted to the defensive and offensive roles of the players, does not particularly require Barinov's qualities. “Circumstances have meant that the role of players in the middle does not particularly require Barinov,” he summarized.
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CSKA Moscow formalized the arrival of Dmitri Barinov on January 13, with a contract lasting until the end of the 2028/2029 season. This recruitment was aimed at strengthening the club's midfield, but Slutsky's opinion sheds critical light on the relevance of this choice in the context of the team's collective play and style.
Thus, this analysis highlights the challenges of integrating a player into a tactical system which favors other profiles, in particular a leader who is more creative than defensive like Barinov. The club will probably have to adjust its organization or the role of its midfielders to optimize overall performance and justify the investment made.
In short, as CSKA Moscow seeks to move up the Russian championship standings, the success of Barinov's transfer will depend on his ability to adapt to the style desired by the team and convince his staff of his usefulness on the pitch.
The rest
With Slutsky's criticism, it will be interesting to see how CSKA Moscow adjusts its game strategy to maximize Barinov's impact. The next few matches could determine whether the midfielder finds his place or whether other players, like Kisljak or Obljakov, will continue to dominate the midfield. Barinov's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially after his transfer from Lokomotiv.
Frequently asked questions
What did Leonid Slutsky say about Dmitri Barinov?
Leonid Slutsky has criticized the integration of Dmitri Barinov into CSKA Moscow's playing scheme, saying that he does not fit in naturally and that his presence has not had a positive impact on the team's performance.
Who confirmed the arrival of Dmitri Barinov at CSKA Moscow?
CSKA Moscow formalized the arrival of Dmitri Barinov on January 13.
Why is Leonid Slutsky criticizing Barinov now?
Slutsky voiced his criticism after noting that CSKA's only victory this season came when Barinov was absent due to illness.
What are Slutsky's main concerns regarding Barinov?
Slutsky emphasized
that Barinov's qualities are not needed in the current CSKA midfield composition, which is adapted to the defensive and offensive roles of other players.
What changes have been made to CSKA Moscow's midfield?
The recruitment of Dmitri Barinov was aimed at strengthening the midfield, but Slutsky indicates that the current circumstances do not particularly require his qualities.