Former midfielder of Moscow’s Spartak and St. Petersburg’s Zenit, **Vladimir Bystrov**, shared his thoughts on the coaching of CSKA Moscow’s head coach, **Marko Nikolic**. The Serbian manager took the helm of the army team last summer, and under his leadership this season, young players like Kirill Glebov and **Matvei Kislyak** have firmly established themselves in the first team.

**— During the show “Rodnoy Futbol,” you spoke positively about CSKA and Nikolic after the derby. What do you find so appealing?**
— I applaud the coach! We have very few coaches who put their faith in young players. He knows how to explain things and demonstrate effectively. I appreciate Abdulkadyrov, and I like Glebov. It’s crucial for me that young talent gets playing time. As for Spartak, in the derby, Stankovic was outdone by Nikolic. The ball control was similar to what Zenit displayed in their game against Dynamo. And where did that lead them? — Bystrov’s words are cited by “RB Sport.”

After 27 matches in the Russian Premier League, FC Krasnodar tops the standings with 61 points. St. Petersburg’s Zenit follows in second place with 57 points from the same number of games. CSKA Moscow rounds out the top three with 52 points after 27 fixtures. The reigning champions of Russia are Zenit.