Is this season a turning point for Russian clubs in Europe?

aloisius · Oct 19, 2003

Except the CSKA debacle Russian clubs have been showing sings of improvement this year. Two clubs are in the 2. round of the UEFA cup after defeating pretty decent opposition. Lokomotiv will have a great chance to beat a disoriented Inter on Tuesday.
I mean, how long can you spend money and achieve nothing ( if you’re not NY Rangers) ?
Eventually, the money being invested in Russian football will show.

Shurik · Oct 19, 2003

Nope. Once the winter hits, hibernation begins.
Loko will crash out of the CL, Spartak will go down to Bucharest and Torpedo won't even leave a dent on Villareal's bumper.

aloisius · Oct 19, 2003

So do you really think Russia will be ranked 24. in 3 years time?

Shurik · Oct 19, 2003

If we are lucky.

aloisius · Oct 19, 2003

Your cynicism is entreating, but you’re overdoing it. Would a optimistic view of the future be so painful for you?

1) Russian economy is the 6. biggest in Europe( writing from memory, don’t have the numbers right now)

2) Russian economy is growing strongly, western Europe is stagnating

3) Agents like to sell their players into an unregulated market. They can keep more of the money for them selves. That’s why Olic was directed to CSKA.

Shurik · Oct 19, 2003

Russia also has a very long history of doing everything "cherez zhopu" (through the arse).
It's hard to be optimistic after the recent Dinamo-Tormet match and the riots at Spartak-CSKA reserves game.