The Russian national football team is completing preparations for the key match of the qualifying stage of the European Championship 2020, in which it will compete for first place in Group I with Belgium. The meeting will take place on November 16 at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg.
A four-day pre-match training camp was held at a base in Sochi. This place was not chosen by chance: in November, the southern city almost does not drop below 20 ° C. In addition, the presence of a high-class infrastructure, which allowed the players to comfortably prepare for an important meeting, was an important factor.
“Here is the sun, the sea and a great mood. Four days is a normal working period, you need to use it correctly. The weather is favorable, the field was prepared at the highest level for our arrival, ”explained Stanislav Chersesov, head coach of the national team.
The players were also pleased with this situation and in a good mood went from rainy Moscow to the south, discussing the vicissitudes of the 16th round of the Russian Premier League (RPL) on the way. On the eve of the departure, it became known that the place of the injured Dmitry Barinov will be taken by Ilzat Akhmetov. In addition, for the first time in a long time, Alexander Erokhin joined the team.
The first lesson in Sochi was traditionally restorative. The national team entered the field in full force, however, Monaco midfielder Alexander Golovin soon continued his training in the gym according to an individual program. As it became known later, this was not due to injury, and most likely, the player will play with Belgium.
Further training took place according to the usual schedule. Players passed special tests to determine the functional state under the supervision of a medical headquarters. In accordance with their results, individual load schedules were determined. In addition, the team began theoretical studies, which examined the strengths and weaknesses of the future opponent.
“It will be very difficult for us against the Belgians, but to beat them really. This is one of the strongest teams in the world with an excellent selection of players who play in leading European championships. With the right preparation and proper attitude, with the support of the fans, we can achieve a positive result. I think that we will show attacking football, ”said midfielder Daler Kuzyaev.
Particular attention in the preparation was given to the defense line. According to midfielder Alexei Ionov, all players are focused on the upcoming match and do not think about situations in their clubs.
“Our advantages over the Belgians are discipline, installation, dedication. Plus we play in St. Petersburg with a full stadium. I am sure that there will be a good atmosphere, and the fans will drive us forward, ”said Ionov.
The arrival of the Russian team caused a great stir among local residents and guests of Sochi. Fans gathered on the balconies located near the base of the buildings in order to at least discern idols from afar. Some were lucky enough to talk with them personally and even receive souvenirs.
One of the most touching meetings took place on the first day of training. The training was attended by the players of the yard teams who arrived in the city to participate in the children's tournament. After the lesson, some football players approached the stands to sign their young colleagues with an autograph or take joint photos. Most of the attention was predictably given to Golovin and captain Artyom Dziuba.
Cherchesov admitted that he was pleased to watch the growing popularity of football among young people.
“We know that after the World Cup a lot of children went to the football sections. Previously, when children played in the yard, they called themselves Ronaldo, Messi or Neymar. Now - Golovin, Akinfeev or Dziuba. This is the most important thing for us and for me in particular, ”the official website of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) quotes the mentor.
It is worth noting that the team’s everyday life in Sochi consisted not only of training. Football players took part in the shooting of commercials and social videos, and some of them managed to enjoy the local attractions. So, Dziuba, as well as defender Yuri Zhirkov and members of the coaching staff visited Joseph Stalin's dacha. The attacker admitted that he liked the tour, the frames with which he shared with his followers on Instagram.
On November 14, the national team completed the training camp in Sochi and went to St. Petersburg, where it will hold the final training session before the meeting with Belgium. Cherchesov preferred to refrain from predicting the match.
“Let’s answer this way: we won’t evaluate the chances yet, because first we need to correctly assess the opportunities. For this we came here. We play at home with the top team. We know that they can, we understand that we can. The main thing is to properly prepare, ”concluded the head coach.