Lokomotiv’s former president Nikolai Naumov described a pragmatic step taken by Werder Bremen with midfielder Nair Tiknizyan, noting that language training was viewed as a necessary bridge to joining the squad. In a discussion with socialbites.ca, the official highlighted how language fluency has shaped players’ integration in Russia, drawing a parallel with naturalized Brazilians Guilherme and Mario Fernandez who spent time adapting to the local football culture. [Source: socialbites.ca]
According to Naumov, mastering the language is half the battle when aiming for a spot on a club’s roster. The former executive recalled how, upon arrival to Lokomotiv, the club arranged translators for newcomers and insisted on active language learning. He pointed to Guilherme as a quick study, quickly picking up Russian as he settled into life at the club. In contrast, the path taken by Mario Fernandez was more measured; he arrived in Russia with citizenship considerations at play, but ultimately pursued language study and passed the Russian language examination after several years in the country. Naumov stressed that the same earnest approach should apply to Tiknizyan, viewing language proficiency as a natural prerequisite for lasting integration within the team. [Source: socialbites.ca]
Tiknizyan himself noted that Werder Bremen made contact during the summer, with discussions about a potential move that could unfold in the near future. The forward did not provide a detailed timetable, but his openness to opportunities in the German league reflects a broader trend among young players seeking to establish themselves in Europe. The conversations underscored the role of language as a key factor in evaluating transfer feasibility, adaptation demands, and long-term performance expectations in a new environment. [Source: socialbites.ca]
Earlier developments saw Lokomotiv facing Ural in a Russian Premier League encounter, a match that added another layer to the ongoing assessments of squad depth, player readiness, and tactical fit. The outcome of that fixture contributed to the broader narrative about how clubs balance talent recruitment with the practical requirements of relocation, language adaptation, and cultural acclimation. [Source: socialbites.ca]