Russia coach stays upbeat
Cherchesov says better times await Confed Cup hosts
Moscow – Russia struggled for positives yesterday after they crashed out of the Confederations Cup on home soil in an ominous sign of how the hosts might fare at next year’s World Cup.
Football bosses shrugged off fans’ fears after the team’s early exit following a 2-1 defeat by Mexico in Kazan on Saturday, insisting the squad was making progress despite the disappointing results.
“The tournament is unfortunately over for us, but we want to thank the fans,” coach Stanislav Cherchesov said in a video statement to supporters.
“While in sporting terms we didn’t manage to achieve what we wanted, in terms of morale then I think we took a step forward. Better times await us.”
Expectations among Russian fans were low ahead of the Confederations Cup as the national team struggled for form in a series of warm-up games.
Former goalkeeper Cherchesov has largely failed to get his players firing despite overhauling the squad since he was appointed less than a year ago after Russia’s woeful showing at Euro 2016.
He insisted he would remain in charge with 12 months to go to the World Cup.
“Three quarters of the squad have never played at this level, and with new players coming through all the time I’m optimistic about the future,” he said. “I’ve worked with pleasure and will continue my work with the team. Probably even better than I’m doing now.”
Russia, who started the Confederations Cup with a win over New Zealand, crashed out of the event after the group stage following consecutive defeats at the hands of European champions Portugal and the most decorated Concacaf team Mexico. –