Valery Karpin discusses the potential naturalization of Zenit players Malcolm and Claudinho
Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national football team, was born in Saint Petersburg. He recently spoke about the topic of naturalizing two Zenit midfielders, Malcolm and Claudinho. The veteran coach, aged 52, indicated that the Russian Football Union did not consult him on the idea.
According to Karpin, the RFU did not seek his opinion. He suggested that even if these players were considered useful in the near future, his own status might change over time. He asked who could guarantee his presence on the coaching staff in two years, noting that many things could shift in that period. He also acknowledged that the RFU had other priorities and commitments to address in this area.
Malcolm and Claudinho were granted Russian passports in February 2023. Both players had previously achieved significant success on the international stage, having won the Olympic gold medal with the Brazilian national team in Tokyo in 2021.
Earlier in his tenure, Karpin had commented on discussions with RFU president Alexander Dyukov regarding potential alignment with the Asian Football Confederation. Those conversations reflected broader questions about international affiliations and competitive strategy.
As conversations about eligibility and national team composition continue, Karpin emphasized the importance of continuity and timing. He did not rule out consideration of new players, but stressed that any decision would depend on future developments within the team framework and the country’s football governance. The coach underscored that the RFU must balance sporting needs with administrative realities as the national program moves forward.
In summary, the discussion around naturalizing Malcolm and Claudinho remains part of a larger debate on how best to strengthen the national squad. The exchange highlights the evolving landscape of international football eligibility, the role of leadership within the RFU, and the careful judgment required when considering changes to a national roster that aims to compete at the highest levels.