Fayzullaev Freed from “Tactical Chains” — CSKA Coach Nikolich Departs

Big changes are coming to CSKA Moscow: head coach Marko Nikolić is officially leaving the club and heading to AEK Athens. According to Mozzart Sport, all parties — CSKA, AEK, and the coach himself — finalized the deal, and an official announcement is expected soon.

AEK will reportedly pay €600,000 to buy out the 46-year-old Serbian coach's contract, with a two-year deal in place. Previously, Nikolić had even offered to buy out his own contract if needed.

Coaching Staff Exodus

Nikolić is also taking his assistants with him:

• Radoje Smiljanić
• Aleksandar Rogić
• Goran Basarić (fitness coach)

This means CSKA must rebuild its entire coaching staff.

 Tension with Fayzullaev

Nikolić’s tactical experiments stirred controversy, particularly affecting Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Uzbekistan’s rising star. Despite a strong first half of the season, Fayzullaev’s performances dipped after being repositioned under Nikolić’s new diamond formation.

• From a natural attacking winger, Abbos was forced into a central role, responsible for both attack and defense.
• This tactical shift made it harder for him to shine, leading to criticism from fans and analysts alike.

Nikolić, however, defended Fayzullaev:

“Abbos is still developing. I completely disagree with those criticizing him. He has enormous potential, and once he improves his finishing, he’ll hit double digits in goals and assists. No one will be able to stop him.”

Fayzullaev, who has remained professional and determined, said:

“I’ll keep working hard, but the coach makes the decisions. I can’t select myself into the lineup. I’ve always faced competition, and I’m ready to compete — with Pjanić or anyone.”

 Fayzullaev’s Season in Numbers

• 39 appearances
• 3 goals
• 8 assists

By his own admission, the season didn’t meet his expectations:

“Compared to last year — when I had 5 goals and 14 assists — this season’s 3+8 feels underwhelming. The second half of the season changed when I was moved to a new position. I tried to adapt, but it affected my stats.”

 Career Highlights

Despite the challenges, Fayzullaev remains one of Uzbekistan’s most decorated young players:

• 3-time national champion with Pakhtakor
• Uzbekistan Super Cup winner
• U-20 AFC Asian Cup champion
• Personal accolades include:
  • Best Player of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup
  • Uzbekistan Player of the Year (2023 & 2024)
  • RPL Revelation of the Season
  • Asia’s Best Young Player (2023)

Now, with Nikolić gone, Fayzullaev could finally return to his best position and regain his brilliance.
Fans hope that CSKA's new coaching staff will unleash his full potential instead of limiting it.