By BARNABAS ZULU
RUSSIAN national team coach Valery Karpin criticised Zambia’s defensive shortcomings following his team’s dominant 5-0 victory in a friendly BetBoom match on Tuesday at Dynamo Stadium in Moscow.
Karpin pointed out that while Zambia boasts individually strong players, their defensive vulnerabilities were evident, allowing Russia to capitalise on these weaknesses.
“Zambia didn’t show their potential, and that is the fault of our football players,” Karpin said. “They have problems in defence, which we were able to take advantage of.”
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Karpin expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and work ethic, adding, “I’m fully satisfied, happy, and thanked the guys – everything is fine.”
Karpin also addressed his team’s tactical approach, explaining that attacks from both the left and right flanks were situational, driven by players’ instincts.
“Osipenko knows how and likes to move the ball forward,” he noted, also highlighting the overall tactical flexibility of his squad.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant, noted Russia’s superior performance, calling them a “very strong opponent.”
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to face such a formidable side, despite his team’s physical conditioning and teamwork needing improvement.
“We gained good experience in this match,” Grant said, adding that his team would focus on improving their weaknesses moving forward. The match marked the end of Russia’s March training camp, leaving Karpin pleased with his players’ dedication, while Grant emphasised the valuable lessons learned from the defeat.
