According to Mehr reporter, it was not long ago that following the visit of the Russian Minister of Sports to Iran and the agreement between the football federations of the two countries, it was decided that the Iranian national team will face Russia in a preparatory match on the third of April 1402.
Russian sports, especially the national football team of this country, were removed from international competitions and events since the military attack on Ukraine, and this team even lost the chance to participate in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In this way, the Russians sought to keep their last preparation plans and hopes alive and in the past months met with teams such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; The matches that did not satisfy the head coach of this team and the Russian fans in terms of technical quality.
The discussion of holding a match with Iran is important for the Russians because, in addition to a serious test to measure the quality of the team and strong preparation, according to the words of the honorary president of the Russian Federation, it can also help this country in terms of publicity and the return of credit.
Yesterday, Amir Mahdi Alavi, the director of public relations of the Football Federation, confirmed in a conversation with the Russian news agency Ryanovsi that this game will be held on the third of April. Also, the media of this country, citing the Russian Federation, reported that holding the game in Iran is certain.
However, Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national team, still has a negative attitude towards playing a friendly match with Iran and does not consider it definitive and final.
Karpin emphasized in his last interview on Monday that he did not react to the announcement of the preparatory match with Iran because he believes that everything has not yet been agreed upon! This coach also announced that he did not follow the Iranian national team in the World Cup!
A part of Karpin’s conversation about the match with the Iranian national team follows:
* On Sunday, the Russian Football Federation announced that it has reached an agreement to hold a match with Iran in Tehran. What was your reaction to this news, are you satisfied and happy that at least one team agreed to play?
– I had no reaction at all. We knew there were talks going on and that a game was most likely going to happen. But this is not certain yet. So I will not be happy in advance.
* Do you think the fish will fall off the hook this time?
– Anything can happen these days. Besides, not everything has been agreed upon yet.
* The first match, at least on paper, is a foregone conclusion. Still waiting for the game in March?
– we are waiting.
* Where would you like to play?
– Anywhere; Of course, it is ideal in Russia with the presence of fans. But we don’t live in a perfect and normal world, do we?
* At the same time, you have said many times that we don’t have a chance to choose…
– Yes, but ideally, I like other things and that we are not deprived of playing. But what’s the point of talking about it? It is what it is.
* What do you remember about the performance of the Iranian team in the 2022 World Cup?
– I don’t remember anything. I did not watch or follow the games of this team. Besides, we have to wait until the competition is confirmed. What do we have so far? The federations finalize the details and come to an agreement. Therefore, nothing is final and certain.
* Did the Football Federation talk to you about playing with Brazilian clubs?
– Yes, such a conversation took place. But still, ideally, I would like to play with national teams. However, if there is still an opportunity to play against strong teams, it is better. We always want the best.