Andrey Talalaev, head coach of Kaliningrad’s Baltika, addressed the heated exchanges with opponents following his team’s 0-1 away defeat to Lokomotiv in the 29th round of the RPL.
“Today is a great holiday, I congratulate everyone. Yesterday I asked the translators to explain to Offor what this holiday is about. And before the team, we explained that those who come with a sword will usually perish by it. Here’s an example. Where is Celestini now? Where is the director who filed a complaint when Lokomotiv players and coaches rushed into our technical zone the other time? We don’t go to anyone. I’m not trying to appear better than I am. And don’t try to make me worse than I am,” the coach said during a press conference.
The conflict between Talalaev and former CSKA head coach Fabio Celestini erupted at the end of the 21st round match, which Baltika won 1-0. Talalaev grabbed a ball that had gone out of play and kicked it into the stands, preventing CSKA players from quickly restarting the game. This sparked a brawl that resulted in both coaches being sent off.
In August 2025, Lokomotiv had already filed a complaint with the RFU Disciplinary Committee regarding an insulting gesture made by Talalaev toward their coaching staff. The ongoing tensions highlight the rivalry between the clubs as Baltika pushes for a top finish in the league table.
