Slutske's Departure and New Role
Slutske, the coach with the highest winning rate in Shenhe's history, announced his departure in a match on August 2. Within just 36 hours, he moved to Moscow to take on the role of a media football team composed of influencers, bloggers, and celebrities. This decision sparked extensive debate on social media. During his two and a half years at Shenhe, Slutske led the team to impressive results, including a Super Cup title in 2024 and a league runner-up finish in 2025, with a win rate of 59.6%. However, Shenhe's performance in the 2026 season was far from satisfactory, with only 19 points and a 13th place ranking, just 4 points above the relegation zone.
Background of the New Coach and the League
Slutske's new coaching position is provided by the Media Football League (MFL) in Russia, a league featuring players who are mostly influencers, bloggers, and celebrities. The MFL has been running for seven seasons with 16 teams divided into four groups. Slutske's appointment undoubtedly brings significant attention and publicity to the league. Prior to this, he worked as a TV host and even ventured into music. Although his players are not professional, Slutske's appointment offers a new business model for the MFL, leveraging the influence of these
