Roberto Carlos Replaces Gadzhi Gadzhiev as Anzhi Makhachkala Coach

The emerging Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala announced that Roberto Carlos will replace Gadzhi Gadzhiev as their new coach. The reason for the replacement has been the dismal performance of the club under Gadzhiev.

Roberto Carlos will remain as one of Anzhi's principal players in addition to his coaching duties. Roberto Carlos will also be training Samuel Eto'o and other players of the club.

Roberto Carlos declared that (eventually) he would like to be Anzhi's President which appears to be a great idea. Roberto Carlos expressed his hopes of being a caretaker coach who could be replaced by Fabio Capello.

An article published in the website of Univision declared that the appointment of Roberto Carlos reflects an act of desperation on the part of Anzhi. The Univision article commented that the reason is that Anzhi Makhachkala is looking for results for the next Russian Premier League and UEFA Champions League season.

I think that the appointment of Roberto Carlos as coach reflects a desire by Anzhi to prepare the team (and Russian Football) for the future. The preparation reflects the growing seriousness of Anzhi and Russia in preparing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in that nation.

Anzhi (as well as Russia and the Russian Premier League) are signing players who are in their 30's who are way past their prime in football. The purpose is to train players in their 20's (eventually) to reach their potential.

It is expected that with the experience of seasoned players from other countries, Russia will be able to forge a new path in International Football. I will be one of the writers to predict that (barring any unexpected circumstances) Russia may (eventually) be a powerhouse in European (as well as) International Football.