Dynamo Moscow is banking on experience and football IQ as they navigate the final stretch of the season, bringing in former national team player Yuri Zhirkov and ex-Rubin coach Roman Sharonov to bolster head coach Rolan Gusev’s staff, according to comments made on January 12, 2026, at 14:57 Moscow time.
New Coaching Additions Aim to Spark Dynamo Moscow
The club hopes the veteran presence will provide a boost with 12 rounds remaining in the season.
- Yuri Zhirkov, a veteran of the Russian national team, joins the coaching staff despite never having held a formal coaching position before.
- Roman Sharonov brings head coaching experience, having previously led Rubin Kazan.
- With 12 rounds left, Dynamo Moscow is focused on maximizing results and making a strong push in the Russian Cup.
- Coach Igor Kolyvanov believes the understanding of the game possessed by Gusev, Zhirkov, and Sharonov will be a valuable asset.
“Yurka Zhirkov has never worked on anyone’s coaching staff. Sharonov already worked as a head coach,” noted Russian coach Igor Kolyvanov. “12 rounds remain. It is clear that Gusev and his assistants will try to achieve the maximum result. To what extent this will be done is difficult to say now.”
Kolyvanov emphasized the footballing acumen of the new additions, stating, “Gusev, Zhirkov and Sharonov, who played, understand football. They will probably work with enthusiasm.”
Preparing for the Second Half of the Season
Gusev will have the opportunity to work with the team during a training camp, allowing him to implement his strategies and assess the team’s physical condition. This preparation is particularly crucial given statements Gusev made a month and a half prior, and he will need to demonstrate his value to the club.
While a top-three finish may be challenging, Kolyvanov believes Dynamo’s primary focus should be a strong showing in the Russian Cup. “The result is not pressing. You need to surprise to stay at Dynamo,” he said. He also pointed out that Gusev was given another chance despite a previous unsuccessful period, suggesting that Sharonov possesses the most coaching experience within the new setup.
What are Dynamo Moscow’s immediate goals? The club is prioritizing a strong run in the Russian Cup, recognizing that a top-three finish in the league may be difficult to achieve.
The coming months will be a critical test for Dynamo Moscow and its revamped coaching staff as they strive to achieve success on multiple fronts.
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