Karpin rejects Ministry of Sports criticism for ‘indifference’

The head coach of the Russian national football team Valery Karpin responded to the criticism of the Minister of Sports Oleg Matytsin for “indifference”. In his opinion, it is “not even worth talking about”.

At a press conference, Valery Karpin was asked to comment on the words of Mr. Matytsin. “Before the match, I explained everything, put it on the shelves, chewed it up. This is the first. And the second… We need the right words and slogans, are we together or not? Maybe yes. And there is no need to even talk about indifference. We are all together – yes, ”said the coach (quote from “Sport Express”).

Oleg Matytsin’s criticism concerned Valery Karpin’s statement at a press conference on the eve of the friendly match between Russia and Iraq on March 25. Then the head coach of the national team said that he did not hold on to the post in the national team, but noted that he liked the team. In response, the minister said that the coach “is an authority and a role model of worthy behavior,” and his every word “gives the appropriate mood to athletes and millions of Russian fans.” Mr. Matytsin believes that “an expression of indifference in sports is a road to nowhere” and that Mr. Karpin needs to decide “you are with us – the team, fans, Russia” or “on your own.”

Valery Karpin was appointed head coach of the Russian national team in the summer of 2021. At the moment, the national team is suspended from participation in international competitions and is playing a series of friendly matches with Asian teams.

Leonid Uvarchev