Danil Krugovoy of Zenit Saint Petersburg offered insight into why Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national team, did not summon him to the national team camp. Krugovoy spoke about the situation in the publication Championship, sharing his perspective on the selection decisions. He indicated a personal wish to compete against Cuba while acknowledging the coach’s stance on players who have recently become fathers. Krugovoy noted that the idea of a temporary dip in focus due to such life events could be a concern, yet he stressed that this did not affect his own concentration. He recalled a recent exchange with Karpin following a match against Kyrgyzstan, where the coach told him to remain patient and optimistic about a future call. This interaction underscores the ongoing conversations between the national team staff and players about readiness and team balance. Source: Championship and direct statements from Krugovoy.
The national team is scheduled to meet Cuba in Volgograd on November 20, with kickoff set for 19:30 Moscow time. This match forms part of a broader schedule for Russia as it navigates the post-2022 competitive landscape, which has seen the nation compete primarily in friendly matches due to sanctions imposed by major international federations. The shift away from official competitive fixtures has shaped the preparation and selection process for the national squad in recent times, emphasizing development and cohesion within a changing competitive environment. Source: International Federation of Football Associations FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations UEFA.
In their most recent outing, Russia played to a 2-2 draw against Kenya in Turkey, a result that reflected both resilience and room for improvement within the squad. Analysts have noted a period of adjustment as Russian football continues to rebuild its approach and methods on the international stage. The overall assessment from former players and observers highlights the need for continuity, discipline, and tactical clarity to raise the level of performance in upcoming matches. Source: match report and expert commentary.
Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA Moscow player, commented on the current status of the national team, expressing a belief that the level is not yet on par with expectations. His perspective adds to the ongoing discussion about how the team can accelerate development, integrate emerging talents, and stabilize performances under international scrutiny. Source: public remarks from Ponomarev.