In a friendly on Saturday, Zico opted for a Alan Dzagoev-Georgy Shennikov link. The only downside here is a lack of experience, as both players are still teenagers.

“We are still uncertain on the situation with Zhirkov. But, if the negotiations are successful, if there’s any progress, we will have to look for alternative solutions for his position. The combination you saw today is one of them,” Zico said.

After twelve games, things are far from certain at the summit of the Russian premier league. FC Moscow are on top, but there are only 4 points between them and CSKA Moscow, who lie in sixth.

But the Army club's ambitions go far beyond the national championship, as the team are preparing for the Champions’ League and the Russian cup.

“Of course, the Premier League is our main focus. There are also the Russian Cup and the Champions League, but winning the Russian championship is our number-one goal,” the Brazilian specialist explained.

The 2005 UEFA Cup winners, CSKA, still largely depend on their Brazilian contingent.

While Wagner Love has maintained his scoring ability, Daniel Carvalho is still having trouble making the starting line-up.

He's lost some of his much-discussed weight but injury still prevents him from performing at 100 per cent.

CSKA play the Chechen side Terek Grozny in their next match, which should shed some light on the direction Zico is taking his team.