With Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala investing a large amount of money and effort in order to break into the worldwide football scene; it appears that it may be worth all football fans all learning how to pronounce, as well as spell, this club’s name, as they attempt to take Europe by storm. With investment rivalling the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea over recent years, it seems that any amount of money will be spent in order to find a form of success, firstly in Russia, and then Europe.
The first signing that caught the eye was that of Balasz Dzsudzsak – a Hungarian international formerly of PSV. He was considered a player of great potential, showing the signal of intent that circulates around the Russian club. With Roberto Carlos also signed, sealed and captaining the side, and with Yuri Zhirkov and Diego Tardelli again providing quality of the highest level, it seems that money may in fact buy success in the coming years.
Then, the most audacious and somewhat ridiculous move for Samuel Eto’o confirmed the intentions of the club, as with huge financial backing, they appeared willing to spend around 20.5 Million Euros per year on his wages alone. With Andrey Arshavin and Gennaro Gattuso also on the long list of future signings, it seems that money could buy success all around the world.
Unlike Manchester City, and a potential stumbling block in future success, is the initial squad and the lack of quality it contained. Anzhi, before being taken over, were a below-par Russian Division One team, failing to gain promotion for 7 years. Their team was made up of unknown individuals who, although of certain quality, failed to show the flair needed to succeed.
However in 2009 they gained promotion back to the top flight of Russian football, followed by a mid table finish the year after. The club has been graced with the millions of Euros invested by Suleyman Kerimov, ranked 118th in the worldwide rich list, it seems the future of the club is bright, and a title is on the cards in the next few years.
However, similar to that of the situation with Manchester City, it may take time for the club the merge. The club, despite all the signings and prospects, remain 7th in the Russian Premier League, and patience shall be the biggest test for Anzhi and their supporters. It seems that an instant progression was always unlikely; however the improvement in performances is without doubt obvious. Beating the smaller teams has allowed them to move up the league; however it may still be a couple more years until they reach the overall quality that the likes of Zenit and CSKA Moscow currently have.