Valery Karpin explains the selection choices ahead of the team’s next match
Valery Karpin, who leads the Russian national team, recently clarified why Mikhail Ignatov of Moscow Spartak was not invited to join the squad. The formal statement was issued by the national team’s press service and circulated to the public as part of the ongoing communication about squad decisions and national team plans.
During a candid exchange, Karpin stated that Ignatov was not singled out for a call but rather there are many players to consider. He admitted some uncertainty about Ignatov’s exact role on the field. He asked for clarity himself about the player’s position and how that role would integrate with the team’s tactical setup. The coach acknowledged that Ignatov possesses certain qualities and some level of qualification, yet he emphasized that it was not obvious to him which specific attributes would be most effective in the national team’s system. The explanation carried a sense of weighing multiple options rather than prioritizing a single candidate.
In the current season, Ignatov appeared in 13 matches for the red-white club in the Russian Premier League, contributing two goals and three assists. Those numbers indicate his potential impact but also illustrate the level of competition for places within the national squad, where decisions must balance form, fitness, and long term strategic considerations.
Looking ahead, the national team is scheduled to meet Cuba in Volgograd on the nineteenth of November with kickoff set for 19 30 Moscow time. The forthcoming match is planned as a preparatory step within a broader set of friendlies intended to build cohesion and evaluate the mix of players under different tactical scenarios ahead of upcoming challenges.
That fixture will mark the fifth friendly game for the Russian side in 2023, a year characterized by adjustments in scheduling and selection as the team continues to integrate players and test new combinations. Coaches and staff are mindful of balancing immediate competitive needs with long term development goals for a squad that is continually evolving and refining its approach in international play.
Historically, the international football landscape has undergone significant changes. In the spring of 2022 the International Federation of Football Associations and the Union of European Football Associations suspended Russia’s participation in all competitions under their control. Since that period, the national team and Russian clubs have focused on friendly matches that allow for ongoing preparation, experimentation, and learning from different tactical environments. This broader context shapes how the team approaches squad selections and the evaluation of players who might be added to future rosters.
Stipidi, a football analyst once active in the field, criticized the inclusion of goalkeeper Lunev in the national team setup, arguing that the choice did not align with a broader assessment of the goalkeeping role and its fit within the team’s strategic plans. This critique reflects the ongoing dialogue among commentators about the best options in goal and how the coaching staff weighs experience, form, and future potential when finalizing a squad list.