Former Russian national team player Evgeny Aldonin discussed the upcoming training camp of the Russian national team, which will include a friendly match against Cuba.

The Russian national team will play against Cuba on November 20 in Volgograd. The meeting will begin at 19:30 Moscow time.

— The Cuban national team consists of players with professional status, not the Media League. We need international matches anyway. It is clear that most of our opponents now are exotic, but the national team players need to get together and play matches. If we ever think about returning to official international competitions, then we need to try out new gaming connections and players. Of course, the quality of the opponent matters, but so far it leaves much to be desired. Cameroon was a good opponent for our team, our guys looked good in this match.

I don’t know anything about Cuba. On the other hand, the match will be in Volgograd. This city loves football. I am sure that the stadium will be filled and our fans will support the team. Because for the regions, an international match of the national team is a big event.

Would it be more interesting in the current situation for the national team to play a friendly match with the RPL club than with Cuba? Players and clubs have different tasks here. Some are preparing to continue the championship. Therefore, in my opinion, this is not very correct. It’s better to play an international game than with the RPL team. There may be injuries, or for some, overload. The team uses these pauses to their advantage, to treat someone, to prepare someone. In general, such options can be considered. But how they will fit within the coaching staff of the national team and clubs is unclear. In any case, you need to use any option if there are these windows for national team matches. Ideally, the opponent should be of a good level, but it all depends on desire.

Golovin has not played for the national team for a long time. Many say that there was no need to pull him from Monaco to the game with Cuba, where he is fighting for first place. But for him it will also be a change of scenery. He will see his teammates on the national team, they are probably friends and communicate. These warm relationships with the guys will give a positive attitude, which will not interfere with Golovin. If possible, then you need to call up, if not the strongest, then close to the optimal composition of the national team. The fans follow the national team and want the team to win, even taking into account the status of our opponent, about whom there is little information. I want there to be dedication and the team to strive for victory,” Metaratings.ru quotes Aldonin.