Former Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin shared his opinion on the importance of foreign footballers for Russian football.
It is clear that the focus should be on their players. And also the coaches, by the way. But if there are legionnaires who are clearly stronger than ours, why should they be abandoned if there are financial opportunities? The club will develop, Russian players will catch up and absorb, that’s how football works. There are no opportunities – you will have to concentrate on your own, look for supplies in schools and academies.
The gap between rich and poor does not grow, first of all. Secondly, Claudinho, Wendel, Malcom are an example for young Russians in ball possession, field vision, decision making and so on. In competition with such masters, any team engages, tests themselves against their background. The Russians have a huge incentive to prove they are no worse, this is competition. If all are the same, no development will occur.
