Juve is really hard opposition and it will be tough! However making it easy in the domestic league!
the league is in the bag. UCL-wise, time to use every trick on the book to cause some surprises
Lazio Rebuffed By Hendricks
Former Lazio manager, Simone Inzaghi
Lazio will continue their search for a new manager having today been rebuffed by CSKA Moscow manager Luke Hendricks, who declined to attend an interview at the Italian club.
Following the sacking of club icon Simone Inzaghi, Lazio have today seen their number one candidate for the job, Luke Hendricks, decline an interview at the club. Lazio, who sit 16th, are said to be surprised by the decision of Hendricks, with it being their belief he was looking to leave Russia due to security threats.
Inzaghi had been at the club for a number of years in a number of roles, ranging from under 18s coach to first team manager. He took on his first, first team management role in 2016 and had reasonable success with the club he spent ten years as a player at. In his first two seasons, he led Lazio to 5th place finishes, ensuring Europa League qualifications in both years.
In the 2018/19 season Lazio stuttered though, as they fell to 8th in the table. But the only way was up for Inzaghi following that year as he led his team to the Champions League for the first time in six years, finishing third in 2019/20. He once again impressed last season, as he took his side to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League, only to lose on penalties to Arsenal. Also in that season, Lazio were within touching distance of the Serie A title, finishing just three points off champions Napoli.
However, the loss of key man Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who joined rivals Juventus, was too big to cope with for Lazio. The arrival of striker, and current league top scorer, Andrea Belotti, couldn't balance out the amount of goals being leaked without the Serbian in the midfield. Lazio have struggled so far this season and are sat 16th in the league, just four points clear of the relegation zone.
Inzaghi is said to be ‘upset’ and ‘disappointed’ with how his tenure at the club has come to an end.
Simone Inzaghi:
“I can’t quite express just how upset I am to be leaving the club I hold closest to my heart. This season hasn’t been good enough so far and the club needed somebody else to come in with fresh ideas. I am very disappointed in myself that I couldn’t turn it around and I hope that whoever comes in manages to take this club to the top.”
That man won’t be Luke Hendricks however, with the South African said to have declined an interview at the club. Hendricks, who has been in his current role for over two years now has achieved a large amount in his first two and a half seasons as a manager.
Taking over in 2019 following CSKA Moscow’s worst performance in over a decade, finishing 4th. Hendricks quickly implemented a new style to the club he spent the longest time of his playing days at. A focus on quick attacking play has seen his side score over 250 goals in just over 100 games and currently this season top the Rosgosstrakh Chempionat Rossii scoring charts by fifteen goals.
In his first season, Hendricks secured second place, finishing behind runaway leaders Spartak Moscow. It was a significant moment for his side as it saw them back into the Champions League group stages. However, it was the following season that saw Hendricks stock as a manager begin to rise.
Despite losing key man Nikola Vlasic in the January window, Luke Hendricks guided his side to the clubs first league title in five years. Losing just two games, CSKA smashed the record set for most points in a season and won the league by a landslide of fifteen points. The Moscow based team also beat local rivals Spartak Moscow to the Kubok Rossii title to secure a memorable double for the club.
Again, Hendricks lost a key man this summer with Arnór Sigurðsson joining Italian side Inter Milan, who currently top Serie A. That didn’t seem to matter though as CSKA currently sit top of the Rosgosstrakh Chempionat Rossii once again, with an eight point gap separating them from Zenit St.Petersburg.
Hendricks seems set to stay at the club with much excitement about the season ahead. Upon their return from their winter break, CSKA will face Juventus in the Champions League Round of Sixteen, in just the third time they have reached that stage of the competition.
Replies
tedbro:The Zenit win was massive and opens up a very nice gap now!
Jack:They certainly need to come back with motivation to keep this run going or we could see something similar to the Krasnodar game!
Griffo:Thanks mate!
Scott:It's going well but we need to continue to push ourselves now. No point settling for this!
James:Slowly we are working our way to a point of, players will want to stay here and we won't need to sell for financial reasons. Might not be yet but we are getting there!
OneMoreGame:It'll be very tough but great test of where we are at!
Tango:We are going to need to work some magic to get past Juve I fear!
Are you still able to visit the UK with all that success in Russia haha, crazy how realistic your story about "Heartbreaking" is at page 1. Very interesting!
Its good to be turning down those sorts of Jobs and after the summer of not getting the Inter job then there is certainly something bigger than Lazio out there for Luke so be interesting what happens in the summer
Lazio would usually be quite an attractive destination but I think it's understandable as to why the proposal was rejected this time by Hendricks. He is building something quite special in Russia. Why would he neglect that for a club languishing at the wrong end of the table in Italy?
Lazio would've been a pretty cool proposition to take charge of tbh, but I can understand why their approach was rebuffed too. Having Belotti up front banging them in would've made it a little bit easier at the start though! Time for you to win the Champions League, so that you can depart Russia for somewhere Luke and his family might be a bit safer.
Completely understand that decision. You're building something special in Russia and I don't think a relegation-threatened Lazio would be that great of a step.
Big loss to Lazio, huge gain for CSKA. I think Hendricks has a bit more to do in Russia despite his intention to move to Inter which didn't quite come off.
CSKA Moscow, a club who have a long history in Russian football, being one of the nations most successful sides. Last season they captured the attention of the nation once again, winning a domestic double in convincing fashion. Breaking records, CSKA won the league by an emphatic fifteen point margin over closest rivals Zenit St. Petersburg. They then defeated local rival Spartak Moscow to claim the Kubok Rossii to end an incredible season.
In this SportsNet exclusive series we will have an in depth look at the Russian champions as they aim to regain their Rosgosstrakh Chempionat Rossii whilst making a dent in European football. We will witness the highs and lows of football management with views from the owners, to the backroom staff, the players and the people who watch them every game, the fans.
This is, Chasing CSKA.
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The season has begun in excellent fashion for CSKA Moscow, with the reigning champions eight points clear at the top of the table once again. Still unbeaten in the league, the Moscow based side look near unstoppable in the nations top tier for a second straight season. In Europe, however, they are making new waves.
Drawn in a group containing Chelsea FC. SL. Benfica and FC København, many had the Russian side finishing third in the group for a second successive season. But victories in both games against København and two giant wins over Benfica was enough to secure the side progression into the knockout stages of the Champions League for just the third time in the clubs history.
With the players not set to return for another twelve days, following their winter break, manager Luke Hendricks and a select group of his coaching and recruitment team are back to work early. The Russian transfer window is different to the majority of Europe with it running from January 22nd - February 21st. However, with CSKA’s quality being shown of late, a number of key players in the squad are being linked to a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, therefore, Luke Hendricks and his backroom team are keen to ensure they have replacements in waiting, something that has seen them remain at a high level throughout his tenure at the club.
“Preparation is everything, the famous line goes, failure to prepare is preparing to fail. It is one of my favourite quotes because it is absolutely true. Without preparation how can you expect to achieve on a consistent basis.”
“We have lost a number of very important players in my time here so far, I can think of Nikola Vlasic, Ilzat Akhmetov and Arnór Sigurðsson all of whom were in our plans. But money does talk in football, it’s nothing we are afraid to say and when massive offers come in for players and they would prefer a new challenge, it’s up to us to evaluate whether we keep or sell. In those instances we let the players go and for good money.”
“However, we only let them go due to the fact we have replacements in waiting, it is something I was very keen on installing when I got the job here. The need for potential replacements if we lose a big player. That can be seen in the three men who have replaced that group. Matko Miljevic has come in and done wonders replacing Nikola Vlasic. Talles Magno has started very well this season and Magomed-Shapi Suleimanov was Ilzat’s replacement and he has recently been given his Russia debut.” said Luke Hendricks
That preparation is down to a number of key men behind the scenes, the likes of Technical Director, Evgeny Adamov and Chief Scout, Maxim Dyukov with both playing a vital part in ensuring the club have a number of options.
In the first meeting back, Luke and his team have a number of items to discuss, the sale of starting goalkeeper Matvey Safonov and the arrival of his replacement, Alexander Nübel. The most pressing concern for the group though, is the potential loss of key man, Fedor Chalov with major interest coming from all over Europe.
“Let’s start with Matvey’s sale lads, another good amount of profit made considering his lack of football and he wanted to go. I have to congratulate you both on the original deal once again” commented Luke.
“It was a good one. Matvey certainly has talent and that is clear to us but with Alexander coming in already and him wanting to go, it made sense. A good amount of profit was made with him leaving for £7,500,000 and originally joining us for £4,500,000.” Technical director Evgeny Adamov relayed “What we do have with Alexander coming in is a top level goalkeeper and at just £5,000,000 extra in total we can be pleased”
“I agree Alex is a top level keeper and as good as Matvey has been for us, he had a mistake in him at times. With him joining I think we are set at the back for this season, we obviously need to look at keepers for next season once Igor retires but for now that isn’t a priority” stated Luke.
“No, but what we do need to have a look at is Fedor Chalov. He is wanted by a number of clubs including Dortmund, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Leverkusen and the one we think he wants to go to Manchester United. I think we can expect some big offers to come in this window for him.” said Adamov.
“Maxim, where do we stand with the options? We obviously made the bid for Louis Munteanu, but a number of teams are interested from what I hear?” asked Luke.
“Unlikely we get him I am afraid. He is a great talent for his age and it seems like a number of teams were just waiting for that first bid. It looks like Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Dortmund, Leipzig, Monaco and PSG among others have had bids accepted for him.” replied Chief Scout, Maxim Dyukov.
“But we do have the advantage that we can offer him a much bigger role than any of those clubs. We have told him he will be starting every week, with the assumption Fedor leaves, for a Champions League side. We understand we can’t be paying what other clubs are but that might just gain an advantage for us.” an optimistic Adamov added.
“Ok, for now we have hope that it can come off, do we have any other options if it does fall through?” quizzed Luke.
“Of course. We can get in Patrik Schick from Roma, though he will likely cost a lot in wages, Vitaly Sobolev is a much younger option which would be a major risk. They are our most likely options” replied Maxim.
“We have options, that's the most important thing.”
Recruitment has been a vital part of Luke’s success at CSKA, and good recruitment at that. To this point in his career, Luke’s spending has totaled less than £50,000,000, he received that and some with the sale of Nikola Vlasic.
Despite a net spend of -£121,500,000 Luke has no intention on splashing the cash unnecessarily.
“When people ask why don’t you spend more, my answer is always why would we. We have shown time and time again that we can find gems that don’t cost an arm and a leg and we have found success doing that. Why would I risk the future of the club when we don’t need to?”
“Of course, that doesn’t mean if there is an obvious player to sign on a deal that matches his ability we won’t do it. We have put the club into a position where if somebody that can take the club to the next level becomes available then we have the funds to do so. But until that player is there, we won’t spend stupid money.” said an adammnet Hendricks.
What’s clear is Luke Hendricks and his recruitment team have set out a way of ensuring they have players in waiting if they lose a key man. They are prepared for the worst to ensure they continue to grow as a club.
Wolf:It certainly is going well in Russia, long may it continue!
tedbroI think it certainly makes it clear that Luke wants to at the very least finish this season with the excitement of Champions League knockout stages certainly playing a role.
Scott:Exactly, as Luke made clear after the Inter rejection, he will leave if the right opportunity is there. A bottom half side in Italy isn't that opportunity.
James:Belloti would have been great but not enough to take the job it seems. Winning the Champions League may be a stretch
Griffo: Are you saying CSKA isn't a big club
Zed:Agreed, they have a decent side with alright money but nothing attractive enough to take Luke away from CSKA just yet.
Jack:As was said at the time, the right opportunity needs to come. Inter are a title contender and have a huge history behind them something that Luke could have built on. Lazio don't have those same accolades and clearly weren't the opportunity Luke is looking for.
In this SportsNet exclusive series we will have an in depth look at the Russian champions as they aim to regain their Rosgosstrakh Chempionat Rossii whilst making a dent in European football. We will witness the highs and lows of football management with views from the owners, to the backroom staff, the players and the people who watch them every game, the fans.
This is, Chasing CSKA.
The season has begun in excellent fashion for CSKA Moscow, with the reigning champions eight points clear at the top of the table once again. Still unbeaten in the league, the Moscow based side look near unstoppable in the nations top tier for a second straight season. In Europe, however, they are making new waves.
Drawn in a group containing Chelsea FC. SL. Benfica and FC København, many had the Russian side finishing third in the group for a second successive season. But victories in both games against København and two giant wins over Benfica was enough to secure the side progression into the knockout stages of the Champions League for just the third time in the clubs history.
With the players not set to return for another twelve days, following their winter break, manager Luke Hendricks and a select group of his coaching and recruitment team are back to work early. The Russian transfer window is different to the majority of Europe with it running from January 22nd - February 21st. However, with CSKA’s quality being shown of late, a number of key players in the squad are being linked to a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, therefore, Luke Hendricks and his backroom team are keen to ensure they have replacements in waiting, something that has seen them remain at a high level throughout his tenure at the club.
“Preparation is everything, the famous line goes, failure to prepare is preparing to fail. It is one of my favourite quotes because it is absolutely true. Without preparation how can you expect to achieve on a consistent basis.”
“We have lost a number of very important players in my time here so far, I can think of Nikola Vlasic, Ilzat Akhmetov and Arnór Sigurðsson all of whom were in our plans. But money does talk in football, it’s nothing we are afraid to say and when massive offers come in for players and they would prefer a new challenge, it’s up to us to evaluate whether we keep or sell. In those instances we let the players go and for good money.”
“However, we only let them go due to the fact we have replacements in waiting, it is something I was very keen on installing when I got the job here. The need for potential replacements if we lose a big player. That can be seen in the three men who have replaced that group. Matko Miljevic has come in and done wonders replacing Nikola Vlasic. Talles Magno has started very well this season and Magomed-Shapi Suleimanov was Ilzat’s replacement and he has recently been given his Russia debut.” said Luke Hendricks
That preparation is down to a number of key men behind the scenes, the likes of Technical Director, Evgeny Adamov and Chief Scout, Maxim Dyukov with both playing a vital part in ensuring the club have a number of options.
In the first meeting back, Luke and his team have a number of items to discuss, the sale of starting goalkeeper Matvey Safonov and the arrival of his replacement, Alexander Nübel. The most pressing concern for the group though, is the potential loss of key man, Fedor Chalov with major interest coming from all over Europe.
“Let’s start with Matvey’s sale lads, another good amount of profit made considering his lack of football and he wanted to go. I have to congratulate you both on the original deal once again” commented Luke.
“It was a good one. Matvey certainly has talent and that is clear to us but with Alexander coming in already and him wanting to go, it made sense. A good amount of profit was made with him leaving for £7,500,000 and originally joining us for £4,500,000.” Technical director Evgeny Adamov relayed “What we do have with Alexander coming in is a top level goalkeeper and at just £5,000,000 extra in total we can be pleased”
“I agree Alex is a top level keeper and as good as Matvey has been for us, he had a mistake in him at times. With him joining I think we are set at the back for this season, we obviously need to look at keepers for next season once Igor retires but for now that isn’t a priority” stated Luke.
“No, but what we do need to have a look at is Fedor Chalov. He is wanted by a number of clubs including Dortmund, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Leverkusen and the one we think he wants to go to Manchester United. I think we can expect some big offers to come in this window for him.” said Adamov.
“Maxim, where do we stand with the options? We obviously made the bid for Louis Munteanu, but a number of teams are interested from what I hear?” asked Luke.
“Unlikely we get him I am afraid. He is a great talent for his age and it seems like a number of teams were just waiting for that first bid. It looks like Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Dortmund, Leipzig, Monaco and PSG among others have had bids accepted for him.” replied Chief Scout, Maxim Dyukov.
“But we do have the advantage that we can offer him a much bigger role than any of those clubs. We have told him he will be starting every week, with the assumption Fedor leaves, for a Champions League side. We understand we can’t be paying what other clubs are but that might just gain an advantage for us.” an optimistic Adamov added.
“Ok, for now we have hope that it can come off, do we have any other options if it does fall through?” quizzed Luke.
“Of course. We can get in Patrik Schick from Roma, though he will likely cost a lot in wages, Vitaly Sobolev is a much younger option which would be a major risk. They are our most likely options” replied Maxim.
“We have options, that's the most important thing.”
Recruitment has been a vital part of Luke’s success at CSKA, and good recruitment at that. To this point in his career, Luke’s spending has totaled less than £50,000,000, he received that and some with the sale of Nikola Vlasic.
Despite a net spend of -£121,500,000 Luke has no intention on splashing the cash unnecessarily.
“When people ask why don’t you spend more, my answer is always why would we. We have shown time and time again that we can find gems that don’t cost an arm and a leg and we have found success doing that. Why would I risk the future of the club when we don’t need to?”
“Of course, that doesn’t mean if there is an obvious player to sign on a deal that matches his ability we won’t do it. We have put the club into a position where if somebody that can take the club to the next level becomes available then we have the funds to do so. But until that player is there, we won’t spend stupid money.” said an adammnet Hendricks.
What’s clear is Luke Hendricks and his recruitment team have set out a way of ensuring they have players in waiting if they lose a key man. They are prepared for the worst to ensure they continue to grow as a club.
Replies
Wolf:It certainly is going well in Russia, long may it continue!
tedbroI think it certainly makes it clear that Luke wants to at the very least finish this season with the excitement of Champions League knockout stages certainly playing a role.
Scott:Exactly, as Luke made clear after the Inter rejection, he will leave if the right opportunity is there. A bottom half side in Italy isn't that opportunity.
James:Belloti would have been great but not enough to take the job it seems. Winning the Champions League may be a stretch
Griffo: Are you saying CSKA isn't a big club
Zed:Agreed, they have a decent side with alright money but nothing attractive enough to take Luke away from CSKA just yet.
Jack:As was said at the time, the right opportunity needs to come. Inter are a title contender and have a huge history behind them something that Luke could have built on. Lazio don't have those same accolades and clearly weren't the opportunity Luke is looking for.
I like the style mate, great insight into the thinking behind the decisions made in the save, and something unique you don't see in every story
Great update. It followed an interesting dynamic that I don't believe I've seen before on the site. You're trying new things and doing so successfully. Very impressed. As for the update itself, it was great to get an insight behind the scenes and view the recruitment side of things which has arguably been one of CSKA's strengths under Luke. Preparation is absolutely vital and it seems like there is no time whatsoever for any rash movements.
Certainly pays attention to the clear importance of recruitment involved in Luke's successes. Loved the update itself, a great and new approach to include things the reader don't usually give much thought to when looking at results etc.
A great new format for an update that I can see other people taking and trying to run with as well. Looking forward to the next one
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