Nikolai Pisarev, who serves as coach for the Russian national football team, spoke at length about the team’s preparations during the international window in June. He outlined how the pause provides a valuable opportunity to regroup, assess the squad, and test different configurations while waiting for concrete scheduling news. In his view, this period is not merely about training drills but also about strategic planning for future fixtures, balancing player workloads, and integrating newcomers into the system. His remarks reflected a sense of measured optimism, underscoring that every day on the training pitch can yield insights that shape the team’s approach when competitive action resumes. The sense of anticipation around the team’s plans was palpable, with players and staff alike looking ahead to the possibilities that the June window might unlock for the national program.
According to Pisarev, the Russian Football Union continues to explore options with potential opponents. The RFU maintains an international department dedicated to identifying training partners for friendly matches, a critical function that supports preparation for major tournaments and qualifiers alike. He noted that the federation is actively collecting proposals and evaluating opportunities, aiming to secure fixtures that can help the team refine tactics, build chemistry among players, and test different tactical setups in a real-match environment. While the specifics of opponents may still be taking shape, the overall direction remains clear: seek quality matches that can contribute to the squad’s development and readiness. Pisarev pointed to the ongoing process, emphasizing that announcements will come when suitable arrangements are in place. He also highlighted that historical collaborations and FIFA-related considerations often guide decisions, ensuring that any selected opponents align with the federation’s broader strategic aims.
“The RFU has an international department that looks for training partners for friendly matches. Therefore, we are waiting for the announcements. So far there is only one history – the history of FIFA,” Pisarev commented, underscoring the federation’s reliance on established international frameworks. He added that the cancellation of certain competitions, such as regional tournaments, is not unusual in the current landscape. In the meantime, the plan is to stage one or two matches in Moscow, which would provide a convenient setting for the squad to convene, train together, and evaluate players who are in top form. The emphasis remains on securing a balanced slate of fixtures that can complement the national team’s long-term objectives, with the possibility that one of these games may take place in Moscow if circumstances align.
As the June window approached, attention also turned to recent results and upcoming tests. The Russian Premier League season is scheduled to conclude on June 3, marking a natural midpoint for clubs and the national team to assess the impact of the campaign so far. The national team had just wrapped up its latest friendly, played in Saint Petersburg, where Valery Karpin’s side faced a competitive challenge from the Iraqi national team. That match ended in a 2-0 victory for the Russian side, a result that provided a confidence boost and practical data for evaluating the squad’s balance, pressing intensity, and finishing quality. Coaches will likely use these observations to guide selection decisions and tactical adjustments during the June preparations.
In other league news, Lokomotiv Moscow secured a victory over Fakel Novy Urengoy in round 28 of the Russian Premier League, a finding that contributed to the dynamic landscape of the season. The outcome offered valuable momentum for Lokomotiv as the league approached its closing stages, while Fakel evaluated lessons learned and areas to strengthen ahead of the next campaign. These domestic results feed into the national team’s broader readiness, as the form and fitness of players on club duty translate into selection considerations and strategic planning for the national program during the June period.