Andrey Chervichenko, who previously led Spartak Moscow, publicly supported the stance of the Russian national team’s coaching staff, headed by Valery Karpin, in deciding not to invite Artem Dziuba, Lokomotiv’s striker, to the March training camp. The former Moscow boss suggested that Dziuba’s public remarks and his behavior on the national scene did not justify a recall to the squad at that time. He indicated that a hat trick against Rostov does not automatically secure a place in the team, and the overall track record over the recent games did not clearly warrant inclusion. According to quotes attributed to Chervichenko, the player has shown a tendency to speak more than he produces on the field, and that dynamic made him wary of inviting him to join the group for camp duties. [Citation: Metaratings.ru]
In early March, the Russian Football Union expanded the roster for the upcoming national team gathering, which would feature two friendly matches. The announcement included a broader group of 41 players, with notable names such as Alexander Golovin, who plays for Monaco, and Alexei Miranchuk, who has been competing with Torino. The federation had previously confirmed plans for a friendly match in Tehran on March 23, pitting Iran against Russia. Additional media speculation suggested that a second tune-up might occur on March 27, when the Russian side could face Iraq at the Fisht stadium in Sochi. [Citation: RFU announcements]
Media commentary around the makeshift squad reflected a wider debate about the balance between form, consistency, and potential in selecting forwards for national duties. Ilya Gerkus, a former head of Moscow’s Torpedo, criticized the leadership of the capital club for withholding an agreement with Dziuba, labeling the decision as potentially fatal to the winger’s chances of contributing to the national team in the near term. The argument centered on whether the forward’s recent performances, particularly in the most recent run of matches, justified trust in his abilities at this level, or whether other candidates offered steadier contributions. [Citation: Metaratings.ru]
The decision to move forward without Dziuba in the March gathering underscored a broader strategic discussion about how the national squad should adapt to evolving competition, injuries, and the tactical demands of Valery Karpin. Fans and analysts alike have debated whether the selection criteria should prioritize current form in top leagues, previous international credentials, or the potential for growth within the team’s system. The roster expansion itself signals an intent to test a wider pool of players, while still maintaining a core group considered essential by the coaching staff. [Citation: RFU announcements]
Chervichenko’s commentary echoed a common sentiment among former players and club insiders: that national team choices are rarely clear-cut, and the line between strong local form and international readiness can be fine. The ongoing discussions around Dziuba’s inclusion reveal the tension between experience and modern competitiveness. Supporters of the decision to exclude the striker argued that the team must cultivate a disciplined environment, where communication and on-field performance align with the tactical blueprint laid out by the coach. Critics, meanwhile, pointed to DPR-like pressure from club executives and national team fans who remember Dziuba’s past contributions and question whether he has exhausted all avenues for redemption. [Citation: Metaratings.ru]
Looking ahead, the March friendlies offer both the team and its supporters a chance to gauge how new combinations perform against international opponents. The Tehran fixture provides a test of resilience and adaptability, while the Sochi match, if it takes place, could serve as a warm-up for tactical systems and player partnerships that can be scaled for more competitive fixtures later in the year. As the national team navigates these decisions, the focus remains on assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level and delivering results that align with the federation’s strategic goals. [Citation: RFU announcements]