Russian coach Nikolai Pisarev discusses preparations for the upcoming friendly against Iran
The coach of the Russia national team, Nikolai Pisarev, spoke about the plan for the next international friendly against Iran, a team that took part in the World Cup in Qatar. The match is slated for March 23 in Tehran. This encounter is positioned as a meaningful test for both sides as they move into a busy schedule ahead of future competitions.
Iran remains a formidable opponent capable of challenging even the best teams on the globe. At the moment, the Russian staff is gathering comprehensive data on all Iranian players to understand strengths, tactics, and potential matchups. Selected by the coaching hierarchy, there is an emphasis on giving younger players an opportunity where appropriate. The decision on whether to pursue a broader youth integration will be clarified once the calendar for upcoming matches is finalized. After that, Pisarev expects Head Coach Valery Karpin to convene his assistants and finalize the squad composition based on the latest information and strategic goals.
As for Dziuba, the plan is to monitor his performances while he continues to wear the Lokomotiv jersey. The coaching team intends to relay real-time observations to the head coach through live updates, ensuring a clear picture of how Dziuba fits into national team plans. This approach mirrors the ongoing process of evaluating players in training camps and friendlies as the team prepares for future assignments.
Dziuba has not represented Russia since the European Championship in June 2021. He remains the leading goal scorer in the history of the national team, with 55 goals in official competition and 30 goals in other competitive appearances, underscoring the impact he has had on Russian football over the years. His experience continues to be a consideration in discussions about the forward line and potential role in upcoming cycles.
Over the course of the previous year, the Russian team participated in three friendly matches. The coaching staff, led by Karpin, placed a premium on integrating younger players into the squad and exposing many newcomers to international action. This approach reflects a broader plan to refresh the squad while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level. The balance between experience and youth remains a central theme for the team’s development path.
Formerly, Yuri Semin remarked that Russia’s clash with Iran would serve as an excellent strength test for the team. This assessment emphasizes the importance of evaluating tactical flexibility, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure against a technically capable opponent. The preparation strategy continues to focus on building depth across positions and ensuring the coaching staff has a robust set of options for different match scenarios. This ongoing dialogue between veteran insights and emerging talent helps shape a coherent trajectory for the national side.