Nepomnyashchy: Shalimov Faces Uphill Battle to Keep Fakel in RPL

Russian expert **Valery Nepomnyashchy** commented on the appointment of **Igor Shalimov** as the head coach of FC Fakel in Voronezh.

«Igor Shalimov is an experienced coach and a great former player, but I can’t predict whether he will succeed at FC Fakel. If the goal is to keep the team in the Russian Premier League, that will be quite challenging. However, if he’s tasked with a long-term project, I wish him good luck and success.

I don’t believe that three years of experience will make a significant difference. A coach’s role isn’t quite like that of a musician. Unlike a musician who might struggle without their instrument for six months, a coach’s key asset is their mindset. Moreover, Igor has been involved in football expertise during this time,» Nepomnyashchy said in an interview with Championship correspondent Vladislav Kruglov.

FC Fakel currently sits in 15th place in the Russian Premier League standings, having earned 14 points from 22 matches.