Non-club business: how the national team started preparing for the match with Nigeria

The club season in Russian football is over. Krasnodar won the first Russian Championship gold in its history, and CSKA won its ninth Russian Cup trophy. However, the players of the Russian national team did not go on vacation, but gathered again in Novogorsk to prepare for friendly matches against Nigeria and Belarus. Traditionally, the Russian national team invited journalists to an open training session, where they were able to observe the preparations for the upcoming games.

In full force

On Monday, June 2, Valery Karpin's team was joined by football players from Rostov and CSKA, who had met in the Russian Cup final the day before. And if yesterday they were rivals on the field, today they were undergoing a medical examination together. By the way, we also trained separately. While the entire team was on the field, CSKA midfielder Matvey Kislyak and Rostov defender Ilya Vakhania were working out in the gym. Of course, we had time to discuss the moments of yesterday's match.

— We are like fish, we try to forget everything quickly and move on, — said Ilya Vakhania. — We didn't get any jokes from the CSKA players, no. We met at the UMO (in—depth medical examination. - Izvestia), discussed the moments of the game. We had a laugh somewhere, but I'll leave it inside the team.

Matvey Kislyak, who managed to win the Russian Cup with CSKA, was in a different mood.

— I walked from the stadium to the subway, called a taxi and went to sleep. The victory was not celebrated. The emotions are amazing, the season has come to an end — the team successfully spent it. We are professional, and there are enough emotions for the national team matches. The national team is always an honor, additional emotions. You're always fighting for the country's coat of arms. I want to come here," Matvey Kislyak told reporters.

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The Russian national team had a full training session, and there were no injuries. Although Matvey Safonov is missing, who has not yet decided whether he will hold a training camp or stay at PSG for a short vacation. The goalkeeper coach of the Russian national team, Vitaly Kafanov, spoke in detail about this.

— First of all, Matvey had a very busy season. There are many positive and bright moments. This season took more of his strength than the previous ones. Because the team is very strong. He should be in Paris by June 9th. He only has eight days of rest. I advised him to think about it. If he doesn't rest this week, how will he play until winter? The championship and training camps will start again. And he hardly ever rests. Tonight he'll tell you what he's decided. He really wants to come. And I would really like that. There is a short pause abroad and then forward again. There are no legal barriers. He definitely won't play against Belarus. If he comes, then only to Nigeria," Kafanov said.

On the first day, the national team conducted several exercises with the ball, practiced tactical actions. During the work, Luis Martinez, the physical training coach, managed to encourage the national team players: "Give me a pass normally! Stronger!" The players have a serious attitude, and they will face one of the strongest opponents since their suspension, the Nigerian national team. And although the Nigerians will not have the main stars in the person of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Atalanta winger Ademol Lukman, we should expect serious resistance. No wonder Nigeria is ranked 43rd in the FIFA rankings.

Moscow combination

Most of all, the journalists were waiting for the head coach of the Russian national team, Valery Karpin. Despite the approach of friendly games, the main question was about the future of the specialist, who has recently been associated with Dynamo. Karpin was blunt and brief in his manner, but he answered questions.

— Let's talk about the national team, not the clubs or the club. If there is, you will find out everything. We'll see. Maybe Dynamo, maybe not. I've been taking a break (to work with clubs) since February, and then we'll see. You'll find out everything. After the match with Belarus, I will return to Moscow, and I will be at the SPIEF from June 18 to 21. Then I went on vacation with my family," Karpin said.

Later, Karpin received a direct question about whether he would lead Dynamo.

— I don't know. There were conversations. And with Dynamo, too. I am considering several options, they are from Russia. I'm listening to suggestions. When we sign it, I'll tell you everything. They'll even say that without me. It could be in June, in August. Combining with a Moscow club is easier than with a regional one. If I start club work, then I will be ready for it. If there is a return, I will choose the national team," added the head coach of the Russian national team.

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Valery Karpin noted that Nigeria has a very decent national team, which has strong individual performers. In his opinion, the absence of the stars of the Nigerian team will not affect the balance of power, because Alexander Golovin and Alexey Miranchuk are also absent from the Russian national team.

The Russian national team's dry winning streak is 34:0, the best among all national teams. Whether Karpin's team will be able to extend it, we will find out this Friday, when Russia will host Nigeria at Luzhniki Stadium.