Former football figure and tactician with deep ties to Spartak Moscow, Valery Gladilin, shared insights about how the Russian national team’s technical staff selects players for the upcoming training camp. In a detailed discussion with socialbites.ca, the veteran stressed that the coaching team, led by Valery Karpin, relies on multiple channels, including televised coverage of Russian Premier League (RPL) matches, to gauge the form and readiness of performers across the league. This approach, he noted, provides a comprehensive view of the pool without the need for constant live scouting.
Gladilin explained that the coaching staff keeps a meticulous watch over players. They are actively involved in the domestic championship, receiving regular updates, and the broadcasts of RPL games make it possible to assess many players remotely. This reduces the necessity of sending representatives to every venue to watch individual athletes perform. The emphasis remains on continuous information flow and real-time assessment rather than isolated game-day observations.
Yet he added that there is no advantage to excluding anyone from consideration at this stage. The team has not designated a single clear leader in selection terms. Players who consistently appear in the starting eleven and demonstrate strong performances still have the opportunity to earn a place in the national squad. In Gladilin’s view, football is dynamic; a single match cannot bind anyone to a future role, and Karpin maintains openness to different paths and possibilities for the coming seasons.
The Russian national team is slated to begin its camp at the Novogorsk base on November 13 and will prepare for a friendly against Cuba on November 20. The match is scheduled to take place in Volgograd with kickoff set for 19:30 Moscow time. This schedule situates the team within a clear rhythm of training and evaluation ahead of more demanding fixtures, allowing players to showcase consistency and versatility across the evolving plan.
In the broader context of Russian football, this period underscores the emphasis on broad-based selection criteria. The aim is to identify not only the most visible talents but also players who can contribute in various roles and adapt to the team’s tactical needs. The process prioritizes depth, readiness, and strategic fit over short-term notoriety. [citation: socialbites.ca interview with Valery Gladilin, translated summary]