Valery Karpin has stepped down from his role as head coach of FC Rostov, announcing his resignation on February 25. Fans have reacted with shock and confusion, voicing their concerns over the timing of his departure just days before the team's resumption of league play against Dynamo Moscow.
"Today is not an easy day for me - I am leaving the position of head coach of FC Rostov. This decision was very difficult for us, as the club and the city have become truly dear to me!" Karpin expressed emotionally, as reported by the press service of FC Rostov. The decision aligns with Karpin's desire to concentrate solely on leading the Russian national team.
Despite his commendable service, support from fans has turned sour, with many chastising the decision to leave mid-season. "What are you doing, Georgich?! Why leave during the season after the departure of a key midfielder, right before the championship resumes?" lamented one disheartened supporter. Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning why he didn’t leave earlier when the team could have effectively prepared for the upcoming matches.
"Why not leave at the beginning of training? The new coach could have prepared the team for the second round," another fan remarked. The outburst reflects frustration surrounding the roster's dynamics and Karpin’s coaching strategy.
Interestingly, some supporters have drawn attention to the state of Russian football itself, with one fan asking, "Of what national team are we talking about? Where are the important games?" These comments reflect increasing disillusionment with the national team's prospects, especially since Russia has faced exclusion from significant world and European tournaments.
The timing of Karpin's resignation raises serious divides within the fanbase. While some lament the loss of what they see as a club legend—"A legend is leaving," voiced one supporter—others believe his departure could inadvertently benefit the team. "Here’s wishing him well; both with him and without him we’ve barely crawled to mid-table," opined another supporter, emphasizing their lack of confidence moving forward.
Following Karpin’s resignation, Jonathan Alba, formerly part of Karpin's coaching staff, was appointed as the new head coach. With the team's home match against Dynamo Moscow fast approaching, the pressure on Alba is palpable. Fans are left wondering whether the new head coach will be able to rally the team and steer them away from potential relegation—a fear openly expressed by some supporters: "We'll definitely get relegated from the RPL now," one fan warned.
With tensions high and uncertainty looming over the team's future, FC Rostov finds itself at a crossroads. Karpin’s departure signifies not just the end of his tenure but also casts doubt on what lies on the horizon for the storied club. "What’s next?" fans wonder. The response to their anxieties remains to be seen, as the new coach steps up to take the helm during this tumultuous time.