Valery Karpin, who oversees the Russian national team, arrived at the training camp in Novogorsk to oversee the squad as preparations intensified. The arrival followed a league fixture where Rostov defeated Khimki by a single goal, a result that set the tone for the players reporting to camp and the coaching staff evaluating fitness and readiness for the demanding schedule ahead.
The camp marks the start of a focused period of training during which the head coach and his assistants will assess players from across the country. A number of newcomers joined the group, joining those already familiar with the national setup. The days ahead are expected to include tactical sessions, conditioning work, and friendly match simulations designed to sharpen team cohesion and system understanding as the side builds toward a sequence of fixtures that will test both technical execution and collective discipline.
During this training window, the Russian team is scheduled to play two international friendlies as part of the broader preparation. The first match is set for Tehran, where the squad will face Iran in a test of pace, pressure, and strategic pressing under realistic conditions. A few days later, the team will travel to St. Petersburg for a second encounter, hosting the Iraqi national team in a venue that will allow the coaching staff to evaluate home-field familiarity, crowd atmosphere, and the ability to adapt to different tactical scenarios as the team seeks to refine its approach with each game.
It is important to recall the broader context within which these preparations occur. The International Football Federation and the Union of European Football Associations decided in the previous year to suspend the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participation in competitions governed by FIFA and UEFA. This status shapes the objective of the training camp, emphasizing development, squad testing, and the maintenance of a strong competitive edge despite the external constraints facing the national program. The coaching staff remains focused on building a cohesive unit that can respond effectively once official avenues reopen, with an emphasis on exploiting the strengths of players who are able to contribute at the international level under current eligibility guidelines.
Earlier updates noted that Spartak defender Georgy Jikia would be unavailable for the March window due to injury, a setback that prompts alternate selections and adjustments in defensive planning. In addition, it was acknowledged that Monaco midfielder Alexander Golovin would not be able to join the camp, removing a key creative element from the midfield picture. The absence of these players necessitates a broader pooling of talent from across the national system, encouraging versatility and squad depth as the group trains with a view to future opportunities and potential call-ups when international duties resume in accordance with evolving circumstances.