“I know that Dzyuba played under this number, but what number is given out in the national team, under that you play” – Kovalenko

Krylia Sovetov midfielder Alexander Kovalenko shared his impressions of his debut for the Russian national team in a friendly match against Kyrgyzstan, and also noted that he does not see anything unusual in the fact that he plays in the national team under the number that forward Artem Dzyuba used to play before.

The Russian team on Saturday in Bishkek beat the team of Kyrgyzstan with a score of 2:1. Kovalenko came out in the starting lineup.

– The feeling of the debut is twofold, to be honest. It was very nice to go out in the T-shirt of the Russian national team, and even in the starting lineup, but the game, of course, left much to be desired.

– Surprised to learn that you will leave from the first minutes?

– Of course, I was surprised. In fact, I thought that they were playing a different line-up in training, but ours was released. I was very surprised.

– You played under the 22nd number. Artem Dziuba used to perform under him.

– Yes I know. But what number they give out in the national team is what you play under. Nothing unusual, – quotes Kovalenko “RB Sport”.

Open video

• “I consulted with my family and decided to play for the Russian national team.” Kovalenko – about the first challenge, Karpin and space “Zenith”