In a bold move to manage internal conflict brought on by mounting salary delays, Khimki Football Club has granted its players five days off during the international break. The decision, as reported by several sources including the Telegram channel Mutko Protiv, comes after months of salary issues that have seen many players left feeling frustrated and demotivated.
Following a 1-1 draw against Akhmat in the 21st round of the Russian Premier League, tensions within the team reportedly flared. A potential altercation between players Reziuan Mirzov and Ilya Sadygov highlighted the growing unrest, further emphasizing the need for this temporary solution.
Evgeny Dzichkovsky, the head of the Khimki press service, clarified the situation in an interview with Match TV, dismissing claims about a dire atmosphere within the team. He explained that the recent time off was planned in advance as part of the monthly schedule circulated to players at the end of February. "We cannot confirm the information about the difficult situation in the team. Players are professionals and understand they work for themselves as well as the tournament table," Dzichkovsky emphasized.
Even so, the reality is that many Khimki players have not received their salaries since December, leading to a lack of motivation during training and overall performance. This ongoing delay in payments has evidently taken a toll on the team’s morale, making the management's decision to enforce a break appear as a necessity to avoid further discord during this already tense period.
"The decision to give players time off was made in light of many months of salary delays," the Telegram report indicated, suggesting that this is also an effort to lessen the burden of salary discussions within the team while creating a space away from each other. The rationale behind the break aims not only to soothe rising tensions but also to minimize the chances of questions surrounding pay. The management hopes this will allow players to recharge.
In light of these circumstances, it’s also worth noting that Khimki's performance this season has not stood out favorably. The team currently holds 20 points in the league standings and sits in 11th place, just two points above the relegation zone. With an upcoming match against Pari NN scheduled for March 29, the focus will need to swiftly shift back to performance and results.
Dzichkovsky sought to assure observers of the team's professional standing, citing the work ethic of the players during training. However, lingering concerns about the financial responsibilities of the club remain. As he stated, "The players understand their work impacts more than just a table position; they are professionals." This statement attempts to convey a sense of resolve that players can compartmentalize the off-field issues from their on-field responsibilities.
Moreover, after the aftermath of the Akhmat match, Mirzov addressed the rumors regarding his confrontation with Sadygov, asserting, "I never could fight with Ilyukh—our relations are friendly." His comments paint a picture of camaraderie despite the challenges posed by external circumstances, but they also signal the fragility of team dynamics when envelopes of frustration and unmet expectations start to weigh heavily.
With the specter of an uncertain future hovering over the club, the question remains how the players will perform after this break and whether the underlying issues relating to delayed salary payments will be resolved in order to restore stability to Khimki FC. Until the management can find a durable solution to these financial woes, the team faces an uphill battle to maintain morale and cohesion.
The upcoming match against Pari NN will serve as a crucial test not only of the players’ skill on the pitch but also their ability to weather the storm amidst a backdrop of unresolved issues. Fans and sports analysts alike will be closely watching to see how the team rebounds from the recent turmoil.
