World Cup 2018: Top 10 Managers of the tournament

#4 Stanislav Cherchesov

Stanislav Cherchesov has been absolutely brilliant in his management of the Russian team

Being the manager of a host nation can make careers. In 2002, Guus Hiddink relaunched his career by leading South Korea to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s attacking tactics for Germany in 2006 has helped sustain his career until now. But it can also help end careers at the top level.

Jose Santamaria never coached again after managing an underperforming Spanish side in 1982 at home. Luiz Felipe Scolari still hasn’t recovered after he managed Brazil to that 7-1 defeat in 2014.

Considering that pressure, Stanislav Cherchesov has been absolutely brilliant in his management of the Russian team.

Tactically, the manager has been astute and flexible as he has made several adjustments throughout this tournament.

Initially, Cherchesov opted with a 4-2-3-1 formation with two pure defensive midfielders in Yuri Gazinsky and Roman Zobnin. This allowed the likes of Alexander Golovin and Denis Cheryshev to tear up the Saudi Arabian defence.

Cherchesov continued to make brave decisions, opting for Artem Dzyuba against Egypt rather than the in-form Feder Smolov.

Dzyuba scored three goals in the tournament. He also decided to go against conventional wisdom and played the rather slow 38-year-old Sergei Ignashevich in the centre of the park.

Cherchesov’s tactics worked best against Spain where he decided to drop fan favourite Denis Cheryshev, preferring an additional defensive midfielder in Daler Kuzyayev.

Kuzyavev along with Zobnin and Gazinsky helped ensure that Spain’s excessive passing did not result in significant changes.

Meanwhile, Dzyuba was a menace to Spain’s defence. Make no mistake, that upset was almost entirely due to Cherchesov’s tactics (and composure during the penalty-shootout).