Valery Karpin explained why he called up Alexey Batrakov for Russia’s autumn camp after the midfielder moved from Lokomotiv to Galatasaray this summer. “He may be more logical to leave there, but he is more needed here,” the coach said.
At a news conference, Karpin was asked whether Batrakov should have stayed in Turkey after joining Galatasaray, given that Arsen Zakharyan had not been called up after moving to Spain. The coach acknowledged that leaving the midfielder at his club might seem logical, but said Russia needed him at camp.
The 21-year-old has already appeared for the national team against Iran and Namibia, in wins of 2-0 and 6-0. He provided an assist in the match against Iran.
Russia are due to face Nigeria in Nizhny Novgorod on October 6. Batrakov is part of the squad for the autumn camp.