The World Cup, the main European leagues and other major football tournaments have surrounded us in recent months, but they should fade against the background of the resumption of Russian football, at least for many there is a feeling. For several years in a row, I also waited for the spring part of the season, which brought the second half of the Russian championship with all the benefits to the viewer, but 2023 was an exception.
Personal feelings are always hard to describe, but there are still several superficial reasons why this could happen.
1. Lack of intrigue
The main (and rather tense) intrigue of the remaining championship lies in its winner. You can think of endless reasons why Spartak will impose a fight on Zenit, but objectively speaking, I don’t think Saint Petersburg will give up another championship to the rojiblancos. There are 13 games left until the end of the season, and Zenit already has six reserve points and a simpler calendar.
There is also nothing interesting in the basement of the table. If last season the attention was nailed to Rubin, whose possible relegation was perceived as a real sensation, now nothing of the kind is expected. Torpedo has no prerequisites for salvation, Lokomotiv will obviously be saved, and the departure of the conditional Torch, Khimki or Pari NN will not give at least some emotions.
Unfortunately, due to the exclusion of Russian clubs from European competitions, most of the championship representatives have almost no motivation to play at full strength. If before the teams struggled to get at least into the Europa League or the Conference League, now there is no such possibility. And there is no difference in the third or seventh place finish. We are waiting for passing and boring matches.
2. No transfers
Two seasons ago, newcomers like Dejan Lovren, Wendel, Solomon Rondon came to the RPL, a year ago: Yusuf Yazici, Claudinho, Jon Cordoba. Who are you interested in following right now?
Dziuba? Pinyaev? Well, with a very large stretch. The most expensive winter signing was Alexis Duarte from Spartak, whose arrival a few years ago would have made him completely invisible.
Winter newcomers simply do not cause any interest.
3. Lack of European competence
No matter how much Russian soccer officials try to disguise the boredom of Russian soccer without the European Cups, the truth cannot be avoided.
In recent years, the RPL clubs have not been very often pleased with their numerous presence in the spring part of the same Europa League, but even if at least one Russian team took part in the playoffs, this created a special occasion. for joy, which was interesting to follow.
