Valery Karpin, who leads Rostov and oversees the national team duties, spoke at a briefing in Novogorsk about the state of Russian football after a wave of departures by foreign players. He noted that the Russian Premier League has undergone noticeable shifts as clubs adjust to a changing landscape, a point echoed by coverage from Sports Express.
From his perspective, the championship has seen fewer teams adopting a purely defensive approach. He observed that the league is trending toward more proactive play, with squads prioritizing ball control and attacking intent. As the influx of foreign players fades, he warned, the defensive standard has shown some erosion, with more mistakes appearing at the back. This, he suggested, is tied to the shifting balance of experience and specialization on domestic rosters as clubs recalibrate their strategies.
Looking ahead, the national team will contest three matches in September as part of its ongoing preparations. The program opens with a meeting against the U23 side on September 7, followed by a clash on September 11, both in Egypt. A final test is scheduled for September 12 against the Qatar national team. Kickoffs will be announced in due course, and these fixtures are expected to shape selections and tactical plans for the team in the coming window.
There has also been recent chatter about the potential club destinations for Alexander Kokorin, with discussions focusing on where his professional path might continue next. This topic underscores ongoing questions about player mobility and the evolving options available to Russian internationals amid broader league changes and transfer market dynamics.