Vyacheslav Koloskov, who serves as the Honorary President of the Russian Football Union, shared his perspective on how players are chosen for the Russian national team. Speaking in a discussion about team selection while betting discussions were being mentioned, Koloskov suggested that for Valery Karpin, the head coach, the emphasis is not solely on performance when deciding who travels to the national team. He noted that Karpin makes calls for reasons tied to the team’s goals and the roles players can fulfill on the field. In Koloskov’s view, being called up means the player is considered needed by the coaching staff. He admitted there is nothing surprising in selections such as players being named for the matches against Serbia and Paraguay while others are left out, and he emphasized watching how players perform in training camps and gatherings would reveal who truly rises to the occasion.”
According to Koloskov, evaluating the actions and choices of the national team coach is challenging because Karpin’s decisions are guided by the desired outcomes and the tasks the coach believes will bring results. Koloskov pointed to the call-ups of Arsen Zakharyan and Alexei Miranchuk as examples, arguing that a lackluster showing in friendly or preparatory periods does not necessarily reflect a player’s overall capability. He expressed confidence that the players will perform at their best when they are prepared and placed in positions that suit their strengths and preparation levels. The veteran administrator underscored that individual form can fluctuate, but the longer arc of a player’s development and readiness remains the decisive factor for selection in important matches.”
Looking ahead, Valery Karpin’s team is scheduled to face Serbia on March 21 and Paraguay on March 25, with both encounters set to take place in Moscow. These matches come at a moment when questions about the national team’s structure, selection process, and future strategy continue to be a focal point for supporters and pundits alike. The discussions around national team participation have also played out in the broader football governance landscape, including the period in spring 2022 when FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia from all competitions under their purview. This suspension affected the national team as well as Russian clubs, shaping the context in which current selections and preparations are taking place. As the team navigates these realities, observers watch closely to see how Karpin integrates emerging talents with experienced players to build a cohesive unit for forthcoming challenges in international play. It is within this framework that Koloskov’s comments are seen as part of a long-running conversation about accountability, selection philosophy, and the path to results on the international stage. The reference to a Spartak player being considered for the national team illustrates how club performance remains a factor, even amid broader strategic and governance considerations that influence national team decisions in the contemporary era.