Naeem Sharifi’s Advice to Khudyakov on Joining Sturm Graz

Naeem Sharifi, a Lokomotiv Moscow alum and a former defender for Sturm, offered guidance to Daniil Khudyakov who joined the club from Graz this summer. The counsel from Sharifi centers on patience and careful integration into a new footballing culture, emphasizing that a measured approach helps players settle in smoothly and perform without unnecessary pressure. Sharifi notes that Austrians tend to separate sports from broader political events, suggesting that Khudyakov will find a cordial, welcoming environment and that Russophobia should not become a lived reality for him on Austrian soil. This perspective provides Khudyakov with a practical framework for adapting to life and football in a different country while maintaining focus on the game itself.