Stanislav Cherchesov, head coach of Russian Premier League club Akhmat Grozny, has ruled out a move for free agent forward Artem Dzyuba, according to the sports outlet Match TV.
Cherchesov said Akhmat already had three forwards on its books and that, whether the club liked it or not, those positions were taken.
Cherchesov is a former Russia international goalkeeper who went on to manage the national team, guiding the side to the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup, which Russia hosted, where the hosts beat Spain on penalties before losing to Croatia. He also had spells in charge of Poland and Hungary before returning to club football with Akhmat, a side based in the Chechen capital, Grozny.
Cherchesov's advice for Dzyuba
The coach also weighed in on what Dzyuba should do next, saying the forward was a player of such stature that he needed to clearly understand what role he would play at any club, not only at Akhmat. Cherchesov said he would genuinely advise Dzyuba to think carefully about what step to take.
Rubin Kazan's blunt rejection
Cherchesov's comments followed remarks from Rubin Kazan president Marat Safiullin, who was asked earlier whether his club might sign Dzyuba. Safiullin said Rubin did not need the player even if he came for free.
Rubin, twice champions of Russia in the late 2000s, are based in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, and also compete in the Russian Premier League.
Dzyuba's current situation
Dzyuba is Russia's all-time leading international goalscorer and captained the national team at Euro 2020. He has played for a string of top clubs during his career, including Zenit St Petersburg and Spartak Moscow.
Last season he turned out for Akron, based in Tolyatti, appearing in 28 matches in which he scored eight goals and set up five assists. He is currently without a club.
