Former goalkeeper Anzor Kavazashvili, known for his time with Moscow Spartak, argues that after sanctions were introduced, Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national team, approached his duties with a degree of carelessness. He expressed these views during an interview with RIA Novosti, presenting a perspective on how the national squad has been managed since external pressures intensified. Kavazashvili suggests that the sanctions did not simply affect football finances and travel arrangements; they also influenced coaching decisions and the overall tempo of team preparation. This line of thought has added another layer to the ongoing discourse about Russia’s football program and its ability to adapt under difficult geopolitical conditions. [RIA Novosti]
According to Kavazashvili, the central issue lies in the coaching staff’s ability to make clear and timely selections for the national team. He points to a sense that the squad is in a prolonged period of stabilization with players constantly being evaluated, shifted, and re-evaluated without reaching a steady lineup. The implication is that the coaching staff has not committed to a decisive strategy for selecting players, which in turn affects the consistency and confidence of the team on the field. The veteran commentator stresses that steady selection rules and a defined core would help the team function more cohesively, especially during periods of international duty and competitive preparation. [RIA Novosti]
Kavazashvili notes that Karpin previously emphasized a heavy focus on the national team, to the point where other responsibilities, such as studies in Rostov, may have competed for the coach’s attention. He argues that after sanctions came into effect, the balance shifted and Karpin redirected more energy toward club duties, at least in the perception of some observers. This shift is framed as a potential mismatch between national team commitments and club responsibilities, raising questions about how the coach allocates time and mental bandwidth during a challenging phase for Russian football. The broader audience watches to see whether the national team can reestablish its rhythm under those new circumstances. [RIA Novosti]
On September 12, the Russian side faced Qatar in a friendly match that ended in a 1 to 1 draw. The scoreline tells part of the story, with Ahmed Alaa, a 30-year-old striker from the Abu Cairo Samad club, breaking the deadlock in the second half. The equalizer arrived through a late corner kick, with Alexander Soldatenkov from Krylya Sovetov Samara netting the equalizer in the 90th minute. This result adds another data point to the ongoing evaluation of Russia’s offensive and defensive organization under the present coaching regime, illustrating how the team performs in international fixtures when pieces of its tactical approach are still being fine-tuned. [RIA Novosti]
The coverage notes that media outlets in Russia continued to relay live updates from the September training camp, signaling that players would return to their clubs soon after the month of preparation concluded. The narrative around these camps often focuses on the transition from national team duties back to club commitments, with implications for player form, fitness, and the ability to maintain momentum across different playing environments. Observers watch closely for signs of how national team players adapt to club schedules following the camp and what that means for the next international window. [RIA Novosti]
In parallel discussions, some former officials have commented on Karpin’s remarks about Russian players seeking opportunities in Europe, offering a range of interpretations about the broader direction of the national team. The conversation touches on how international exposure may influence readiness and performance, and whether such moves align with the federation’s long-term objectives. The overarching theme remains the same: the Russian national team faces the task of harmonizing coaching decisions, player development, and competitive results under evolving external pressures while striving to preserve competitive credibility on the international stage. [RIA Novosti]