Former head coach of the St. Petersburg club Zenit, Vlastimil Petrzhela, offered a candid assessment of the U23 Russia squad, saying that they do not currently exceed the level of their Egyptian peers. The teams are scheduled to clash on September 7 at 7:00 PM Moscow time, a match Petrzhela discussed with RB Sports.
Petrzhela noted that the Russian youth team no longer stands above the Egyptian youth teams. He warned that a Russian defeat would not be surprising, explaining that the Russian players have not faced enough high-level competition with European teams. He also attributed a perceived dip in form to the consequences of sanctions that have affected the broader development pipeline for Russian football.
The Russian national team is preparing for a demanding slate in September, beginning with two friendlies against the U23 squad in Egypt on the 7th and the 11th, followed by a match against Qatar on the 12th. This sequence will test the depth and readiness of Valery Karpin’s players as they navigate a challenging international schedule during a period of ongoing sanctions and travel restrictions.
Earlier, the national team coaching staff announced an expanded training camp roster, listing 49 players for the September camp as part of their efforts to evaluate options and build depth in a time of limited competitive opportunities.
Since spring 2022, Russia has faced exclusion from international competitions under the banners of FIFA and UEFA due to sanctions imposed on the country. The ban has restricted participation in all events controlled by these bodies, shaping the context in which Russian teams and players prepare for the future.
A former Russian referee also highlighted the official standards and procedures discussed at a recent UEFA referees meeting, underscoring the ongoing focus on alignment with international guidelines and fair play during this period of transformation for Russian football. [Source: RB Sports]