Former striker for Moscow Locomotive and the Russian national team, Dmitry Bulykin, spoke with Gazeta.ru about why the upcoming friendly matches matter for the national squad. He argued that even though he is no longer part of official fixtures, the Russian fans still crave both victory and compelling performances from the team.
He emphasized that players must deliver on the pitch to win over the supporters. If the performances fall short, critics will not hesitate to cast more doubt and blame on the squad. The reality, according to him, is that the whole country is watching closely. With official fixtures paused, friendlies have become the principal stage where the team can demonstrate its value and resilience.
Bulykin noted that the pressure to perform is immense because the national side is under a national spotlight across all regions. The expectation is not just for a single win but for a string of steady, convincing performances that restore confidence in the team and its leadership. The broader message he conveys is that the matches matter not only to supporters in cities and towns but to football fans nationwide who want to see progress on the field, as reported by Gazeta.ru.
He added that this moment should push players to showcase themselves as consistently as possible across the country, turning every friendly appearance into an opportunity to regain trust and demonstrate improvement. The emphasis, he suggested, is on collective effort, tactical discipline, and the ability to translate training into tangible results in match circumstances. This perspective aligns with the need to maintain a high level of readiness during a period when competitive matches are limited, and friendlies serve as the testing ground for new strategies and player combinations, as observed by the publication referenced.
In a broader context, it is relevant to recall that in October 2022, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) decided to deprive the Russian team of participation in the qualifying rounds for the 2024 European Championship in Germany. This sanction contributed to the current schedule, where international fixtures take on added significance for squads seeking development and national pride in the absence of official competition, a situation widely discussed in football circles and reflected in the remarks quoted by Gazeta.ru.
Looking ahead, the question of when the Russian team might return to official international play remains a topic of discussion among fans, analysts, and former players alike. Observers emphasise that any future return will depend on multiple factors, including compliance with international regulations, organizational considerations, and the evolving context of global football. For supporters and stakeholders, the central takeaway is that the path back to official status would require clear progress demonstrated on the field during forthcoming friendlies, alongside sustained improvements in team cohesion and performance, as noted in the cited interview.