Vyacheslav Chanov, the former goalkeeper coach for the capital’s CSKA, spoke in an interview about the Russian national football team’s recent selection decisions. He questioned why Moscow-based Spartak goalkeeper Alexander Maksimenko had been summoned to the national squad, suggesting the move did not align with what he perceives as Maksimenko’s current level for the A Team.
Chanov noted that Maksimenko, at 25 years old, may not yet meet the expectations many fans and observers have for a national team goalkeeper. He expressed surprise at Maksimenko’s inclusion, arguing that Spartak’s goalkeepers have not delivered consistently strong performances of late. According to Chanov, the national team leadership likely wanted to assess Maksimenko in a broader context—how he handles the responsibilities of international duty, his mindset, and his on-field communication with defenders. He also voiced astonishment that Lantratov was not called up, pointing to potential gaps in the selection process or in the assessment of available talent.
Looking ahead, the Russian national team is scheduled to play two friendlies in March. Valery Karpin’s side will face Serbia on March 21 and Paraguay on March 25, with both fixtures taking place in Moscow. The team recently did not advance in the 2022 World Cup playoffs and is also facing an uncertain path toward future European Championship qualification, a situation that heightens scrutiny of the players and coaches involved in these choices.
Meanwhile, reports noted that Guillermo Abascal, previously a Spartak coach, has continued his work with teams outside the Russian capital, adding to the broader discussion about coaching philosophies and talent development within Russian football. Observers emphasize the importance of balancing immediate form with long-term development when selecting a squad for national duties, a topic that often sparks lively debate among fans and analysts alike.