Former Russian national team player Dmitry Bulykin remarked that the squad gave him a genuine surprise in the friendly against Belarus, praising the team’s performance and noting the direction it signals for the coming matches. He pointed out that the players moved cleanly, finished with intent, and scored repeatedly, which aligns with the expectations placed on the group. His assessment emphasized the balance between delivering results and keeping an eye on the depth of the squad, the reserve players who could step into bigger roles as the team evolves toward its goals.
The Minsk friendly concluded with a confident 4 goals to none, a result that underscored the early momentum the side is trying to build. Among the contributors were Ivan Oblyakov, Konstantin Tyukavin, and Fedor Chalov, whose sharp finishing helped cement the win. Chalov in particular found the net twice, a testament to his timing and poise in front of goal, while Oblyakov and Tyukavin provided additional threats and clean executions in attack. The overall display was described as focused and purposeful, reflecting a plan to optimize both effectiveness on the field and growth in performance across the bench. The broadcast of the match highlighted these moments and noted the strategic choices being made by the coaching staff as they assess the club’s roster and options for future selections. Source: sportsnews.
In spring 2022, the global football governing bodies made a drastic decision concerning Russia by suspending its participation in all competitions under FIFA and UEFA. This move affected the national team, along with Russian clubs, blocking their involvement in World Cup playoffs for that cycle and removing the team from the European Championship that took place on German soil. The consequence was a prolonged absence from major tournaments, with players and staff adjusting to the new landscape and seeking to maintain competitive momentum through other channels and friendly fixtures when possible. Source: sportsnews.
Earlier in the year, Artem Dzyuba shared an image from Shanghai, where Slutsky was then employed. The post offered a glimpse into the broader network of Russian football, including coaches and players who continued to influence the sport despite the suspension. The image served as a reminder of the ongoing connections within the sport and the ways in which teams adapt to changing circumstances, maintaining visibility across leagues and international communities. Source: sportsnews.