Former Spartak Moscow midfield star Valery Gladilin argued that the Russian national team would gain from holding an October training camp even if no official friendly matches were arranged. He noted that such gatherings give the coaching staff direct access to the players, balancing theoretical instruction with practical work. For a squad that includes many teenagers and young entrants, these sessions are a rare chance to observe how newcomers compare with seasoned professionals, to instill a shared language, and to begin shaping a longer-term development plan. The coach’s ability to identify talent and set expectations can begin long before any competitive match, and the overall benefit extends beyond results on the scoreboard.
Gladilin emphasized that the value of the gathering isn’t tied to a match result. He stressed that the coach should maintain constant communication with players, facilitating both formal training and informal conversations that help players understand tactical concepts. The national team roster has a significant number of young players who can only grow by training alongside and learning from proven internationals. In such a camp, staff can assess the readiness of rising players, integrate different positional profiles, and test new combinations under pressure-free conditions. Even without a game, the environment can accelerate learning, improve discipline, and sharpen mental readiness, which can bear fruit when competition resumes.
The October camp began on a Monday at the Novogorsk training base just outside Moscow. Teams at this level often run intensive schedules at such facilities, focusing on technical drills, set-piece routines, defensive shape, and attacking patterns. Coaches tend to blend video analysis with on-field practice, ensuring that players internalize tactical concepts quickly. The temporary peer-to-peer mentoring that emerges during these camps also helps younger players feel part of the national setup, which can increase motivation and national pride in the long run. This interpretation aligns with coverage from national sports outlets.
Russia’s exclusion from major international events began in early 2022, when FIFA and UEFA suspended the participation of the national team and all Russian clubs from competitions under their governance, following IOC guidance. The consequence was a prolonged pause in international play: the country missed the 2022 World Cup playoffs and the World Cup itself, as well as the 2024 European Championship in Germany. The suspension did not erase the ambition of Russian football; instead, it pushed clubs and the national system to focus more on domestic development, talent identification, and rebuilding structures that could eventually support a return to European and global competition.
Earlier, coach Sergei Kiryakov voiced opposition to staging a match between the national team and a Media League squad, a stance that highlighted ongoing debates about the best path toward rebuilding competitiveness under the new realities. His position underscored the emphasis on careful preparation rather than hasty returns to the field. In this context, the October camp can be seen as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the team, nurture youth, and preserve the integrity of national selection even while sanctions and political factors shape the football landscape.