How Sandro Schwarz Took Over—and Why It Matters

Sandro Schwarz officially became head coach of FC Dynamo Moscow on June 1, 2024, following a two-year stint at 1899 Hoffenheim. His appointment marked the club’s third managerial change in as many years, but Schwarz arrived with a different mindset. Unlike his predecessors, who focused on short-term stability, Schwarz has signaled a long-term project—one that could finally break Dynamo’s 14-year trophy drought.

The club’s leadership, including president Andrey Kanchelskis, has backed Schwarz’s vision, even as analysts like Metaratings rate Dynamo’s chances of finishing in the top three of the Russian Premier League at just 15%. Schwarz, however, has dismissed such skepticism.

“I don’t believe in curses. Dynamo can win the championship, can win trophies. The only thing that matters is our work on the field.”

Why Dynamo’s Trophy Drought Is More Than Just Bad Luck

FC Dynamo Moscow last won a major trophy in 2011-12, when they claimed the Russian Cup. Since then, the club has cycled through managers, tactics, and even ownership, yet never returned to title contention. The so-called “curse” has become a cultural talking point among Russian football fans—a self-fulfilling prophecy that Schwarz is determined to dismantle.

The club’s last top-three finish came in 2016-17, when they placed third under Sergei Silkin. Since then, Dynamo has fluctuated between mid-table and lower-half finishes, with 2022-23 being their worst season in decades (11th place). Schwarz’s arrival coincides with a window of opportunity: the Russian Premier League is expanding to 18 teams in 2024-25, meaning Dynamo could secure automatic Champions League qualification with a top-four finish.

Yet, as Metaratings analyst Kaboré noted, the path to the top three remains steep. “Dynamo’s squad lacks the firepower of Zenit or Lokomotiv,” Kaboré said. “Schwarz will need to build chemistry quickly—and avoid the mistakes of the past.”

Five Surprises That Could Define Dynamo’s Season

1. The Gusev Question: Will Dynamo’s Manager Stay?

One of the biggest unknowns is the future of Sergei Gusev, Dynamo’s sporting director. Reports from Sport Express suggest Kanchelskis expected Gusev to remain in his role, but Schwarz’s arrival has introduced uncertainty. Gusev, who has been with the club since 2018, has overseen several managerial changes, including the short-lived tenure of Miroslav Rorn in 2023.

A source close to the club told Sport Express that Gusev’s position is “not guaranteed,” but Schwarz has not publicly addressed the issue. If Gusev is sidelined, it could signal a complete overhaul of Dynamo’s football operations—something fans have not seen in years.

2. Tactical Revolution: From Counterattacking to Possession Football

Schwarz’s tactical philosophy is already reshaping Dynamo’s approach. Unlike his predecessors, who favored direct, counterattacking football, Schwarz has emphasized possession, pressing, and structured build-up play. This shift is evident in Dynamo’s pre-season training, where sessions have focused on high-intensity pressing traps and quick transitions.

“We’re not just playing for results—we’re playing for a style,” Schwarz said in a recent interview. “If the team buys into that, we can be competitive anywhere.”

The challenge? Dynamo’s squad lacks the technical depth to execute such a system consistently. Players like Artem Dzyuba (a target for transfer) and Aleksandr Sobolev will need to adapt quickly—or risk being exposed in the league’s more physical environments.

3. Youth First: Three Academy Graduates Already in the First Team

Schwarz has made youth development a cornerstone of his project. Since taking over, three academy graduates—Maksim Mamykin (19), Kirill Makarov (20), and Daniil Utkin (21)—have been promoted to the first team. Their inclusion is part of a broader strategy to integrate young talent while maintaining squad depth.

Mamykin, a winger, made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Spartak Moscow and impressed with his pace and dribbling. “He’s got the mentality of a professional,” Schwarz said. “That’s what we need.”

The move reflects a broader trend in Russian football, where clubs like Zenit and CSKA Moscow have successfully blended youth with experience. For Dynamo, it could be a way to counterbalance the league’s aging core.

4. The Transfer Window: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Dynamo’s summer transfer activity has been subdued compared to rivals, but Schwarz has made two key moves:

• Signing of midfielder Denis Makarov (from Rubin Kazan) for a reported $4.5 million, adding creative flair to a squad lacking playmakers.
• Loan extension for forward Nikita Baranov (from Lokomotiv), a dynamic striker who could provide the firepower Dynamo needs up front.

More significantly, Schwarz has ruled out a blockbuster signing, instead focusing on squad rotation and tactical flexibility. “We don’t need one superstar,” he said. “We need a team that can perform in different systems.”

The biggest question remains: Will Dynamo sell Dzyuba? The striker, now 30, has been linked with moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia for years. If sold, it would free up salary cap space for younger talent—but risk losing a proven goal-scorer.

5. The Fan Factor: Can Dynamo Reconnect with Moscow?

Dynamo’s VTB Arena has been a mixed bag in recent years, with attendance fluctuating between 15,000 and 25,000 depending on results. Schwarz’s arrival has reignited hope among fans, but the club faces challenges in rebuilding its image.

“The fans are hungry for success,” said Dynamo’s vice-president, Igor Ledyaev. “Schwarz understands that. He’s not here just to manage—he’s here to win.”

Early signs are positive. Dynamo’s first home game under Schwarz—a friendly against FC Basel on July 10, 2024 (UTC+3, 14:00)—saw attendance reach 22,000, the highest since 2022. If the team performs well, momentum could carry into the league season.

What Happens Next: Dynamo’s 2024-25 Schedule and Challenges

Dynamo’s season kicks off on August 17, 2024, with a home match against Ural Yekaterinburg. Key fixtures early on include:

• August 24: Away at Zenit St. Petersburg (a potential title decider)
• September 14: Home to CSKA Moscow (rivalry clash)
• October 26: Away at Lokomotiv Moscow (another top-four battle)

The biggest test will come in the Champions League qualifiers, where Dynamo could earn a spot if they finish in the top four. Schwarz has already outlined his approach:

“We’ll treat every game like a final. If we do that, we’ll be surprised by how far we go.”

With 12 games remaining before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2024, Dynamo has a narrow window to strengthen the squad. Whether Schwarz can deliver remains the million-ruble question.

How to Stay Updated on Dynamo’s Progress

For real-time updates, follow:

• Official FC Dynamo Moscow Website (matches, transfers, news)
• Russian Premier League Official Site (standings, fixtures)
• Transfermarkt (squad updates)

Dynamo’s next official training session is scheduled for June 20, 2024 (10:00 UTC+3), with an open-door policy for media. The first competitive match under Schwarz will be the Russian Cup third-round tie against Torpedo Moscow on July 3 (17:00 UTC+3).