A veteran defender reflects on why European players often skip Russia’s national team duties
Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA and USSR national team defender, recently shared a candid view on a reality many players face. European‑based footballers sometimes decline invitations to join the Russian national team, and his assessment highlights practical factors that influence such choices. He notes that the human side of a footballer’s career matters just as much as national pride. Injuries, long travel when juggling club and country, and the grind of a demanding season all shape a player’s availability and willingness to represent the nation on the international stage. He also points out that legal betting industries can sway a player’s mindset in unpredictable ways, adding another layer of complication to decisions about national team service.
In his own words, the fledgling values around a top player’s schedule weigh heavily against national duty. He asked whether Miranchuk and Zakharyan were really obliged to answer every call to the federation. The conclusion he drew was clear: there are legitimate reasons to refuse. Players in modern squads face different career trajectories, and those trajectories can diverge greatly from the traditional path of a national team fixture. Ponomarev emphasized that the football landscape has shifted—logistics, calendar congestion, and the constant threat of fatigue all threaten peak performance on match days. He spoke from experience, acknowledging that staying sharp for club commitments can sometimes conflict with the expectations of international duty. In this sense, he painted a realistic portrait of players weighing the benefits of club play against the honor of pulling on the national shirt. In short, the decision is rarely simple, and the right choice depends on the individual circumstances of each athlete. [Citation: Ponomarev interview discussion on national team selection and player burden]
On November 7, the Russian national team’s November training camp roster was released. Two players who ply their trade in Europe were notably absent. Real Sociedad midfielder Arsen Zakharyan and Atalanta midfielder Alexey Miranchuk did not appear on the list. The head coach, Valery Karpin, explained that the absence stemmed from a lack of consistent match practice. Players who do not regularly start for their clubs may not be in peak shape to contribute at the international level, so timing, readiness, and rhythm become crucial considerations. This choice mirrors a broader pattern where club form and minutes on the pitch carry significant weight when national team duties are discussed. [Citation: Team roster announcement and coach remarks]
Earlier reporting indicated that Alexey Miranchuk prefers remaining in Europe, even as Lokomotiv Moscow expresses a desire to see him return home. The decision to stay abroad resonates with ongoing debates about player development, exposure to higher levels of competition, and strategic career planning that prioritizes consistent playing time and visibility on the European stage. This dynamic often places clubs and national teams in a balancing act, as players juggle personal ambition, contract terms, and potential effects on team cohesion. The public discourse around Miranchuk’s future underscores a trend where players evaluate long‑term growth over immediate domestic opportunities, aiming to harmonize club confidence with a sense of national duty. [Citation: Player development and transfer discussions]