Former Zenit Coach Says Czech Republic Will Not Schedule a Russia Friendly
Vladek Petrzhela, once the head coach of St. Petersburg Zenit, has stated that the Czech national team will not agree to a friendly match against Russia under any circumstances. He spoke on this topic to RB Sports, emphasizing the firm stance of the Czech side regarding contact with the Russian national squad. According to the veteran coach, the prospects of a Czech-Russia friendly are effectively zero, a position he believes would hold even if a substantial sum were offered. The assertion painted a clear picture of continued reluctance from the Czech side, highlighting the political and sporting complexities involved in the matchup. The emphasis was on a definitive rejection rather than negotiation, underscoring how geopolitical realities influence football decisions. This sentiment aligns with broader concerns about Russia’s participation in international football events. [Source: RB Sports]
Meanwhile, the Russian Football Union (RFU) announced plans to assemble players for the national team’s November training camp. The statement outlined the training schedule and the focus areas for the squad as they prepared for upcoming fixtures and player assessments. The RFU’s intent was to maintain competitive readiness amid evolving international constraints and to provide the team with development opportunities within the current regulatory framework. [Source: RFU announcement]
On November 20, Valery Karpin’s squad is scheduled to meet the Cuban national team in a friendly in Volgograd, with kickoff set for 19:30 Moscow time. The match represents part of Russia’s ongoing schedule of international fixtures conducted within the scope allowed by governing bodies. The venue and timing reflect standard planning for national team exposure and tactical evaluation ahead of more demanding competitions. [Source: RFU match notice]
Since spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia from participating in all competitions under their jurisdiction. From that point onward, Russian clubs and the national team have played only in friendly matches outside the scope of these organizations. This status has shaped a distinct international calendar for Russia, focusing on bilateral games rather than participation in official tournaments controlled by FIFA or UEFA. The ongoing arrangement has implications for team development, player exposure, and international rankings, while also affecting how fans perceive the national team’s competitive opportunities. [Source: FIFA/UEFA decisions]
Previously, Valery Karpin explained the reasons behind not calling two foreign-based players into the Russian national team. His explanation touched on strategic considerations, squad balance, and the evolving eligibility and regulatory environment. The discussion shed light on how the coaching staff weighs different options when assembling a competitive squad under current constraints, and how those choices impact selection dynamics and team cohesion. [Source: Karpin statements]