Russia boss juggles expectations, ageing squad, growing angst

MOSCOW: When he took over as Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov was handed the mammoth task of transforming a failing and ageing squad into challengers for the country’s first home World Cup in 2018.

But just two months ahead of the Confederations Cup, a World Cup dress rehearsal in Russia, he is struggling to get his team firing after a string of uninspiring results.

“The team is undergoing a generational change,” the brusque 53-year-old told AFP in an interview.

“Our fans want to see a squad with a strong character and we demand our players concentrate and work flat-out in every single match.”

The former Spartak and Dynamo Moscow coach took the reins after Russia crashed out of Euro 2016 without a win and their fans in disgrace after running battles with England supporters in Marseille.

In the wake of the disastrous tournament the ex-international goalkeeper – known as a tough disciplinarian – set out radically overhauling the squad and shipping out an array of players past their prime.

Only four of those who featured at the Euros in France were starters in Russia’s latest friendly, against Belgium in March at Sochi’s Fisht arena.

But Cherchesov’s new charges are yet to convince.

Against Belgium they clawed back two goals to draw 3-3 but that followed a humiliating 2-0 home defeat to the Ivory Coast – Russia’s first loss to an African team.

Fed-up fans made their feelings known and the Russians trudged off the field in Krasnodar with whistles and jeers ringing in their ears.

“I have to work with the players that I currently have,” Cherchesov said. “There is nowhere I can get any others from.” — AFP