Russian National Football Team Kicks Off Training Camp in Novogorsk
The Russian national football team commenced its latest training camp on October 7 in Novogorsk, amidst a challenging backdrop of limited friendly match opportunities. Despite the absence of opponents, head coach Valeri Karpin opted to proceed with the training sessions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining player fitness and cohesion. The camp saw early arrivals from players including Andrei Mostovoi and Danil Prutsev, who engaged in light gym workouts before the full team gathered the following day.
Notably, the team faced some setbacks, with Konstantin Tyukavin and Ivan Oblyakov missing due to ARVI, while Andrei Lunev, Alexander Maksimenko, and Ruslan Litvinov were sidelined with various health issues. This left Karpin with a squad of 23 players, including two goalkeepers. A significant highlight of the camp was the return of Monaco midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, who expressed his excitement about rejoining the national team after being absent from the previous matches against Vietnam and Thailand in September. Golovin, now one of the more experienced players at age 28, remarked on his sense of responsibility and willingness to guide younger teammates, such as 19-year-old Alexey Batrakov, who expressed his admiration for Golovin's career.
Training Amidst Uncertainty: The Search for Opponents
The lack of opponents for friendly matches has sparked discussions among players and analysts regarding the necessity of the ongoing training camp. Players like Andrei Mostovoy acknowledged the benefits of staying active during this period, despite some expressing a desire for a brief rest. Commentator Georgy Cherdantsev supported the continuation of the camp, particularly for the integration of younger players, but suggested a reduction in its duration given the absence of matches.
On the contrary, Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the RFU, criticized the decision to hold the camp without scheduled games, calling it inappropriate. As the team prepares for potential matches in November, including possible games against Syria and Zanzibar, the RFU continues to navigate the complexities of organizing friendly matches amid a challenging landscape.
