Karpin commented on Golovin’s performance in the match with Iran and assessed the team’s chances at the World Cup

Head coach of the Russian national football team Valery Karpin commented on the performance of team captain Alexander Golovin in a friendly match with Iran. RIA Novosti reports this.

“Golovin was not surprised. This is how he should play,” Karpin told reporters. The midfielder scored a brace in the first half, and the Russian team won with a score of 2:0.

The coach was pleased with the team's performance. “Globally, yes. We scored two and kept a clean sheet, there were a lot of good moments, I liked the first half better. But there are points that need to be worked on,” Karpin noted.

The specialist also spoke out that Golovin’s return to the RPL in the summer could have a negative impact on the footballer’s game. “Perhaps, yes. He himself says that at one time he had to get used to the intensity of the French championship. In the Russian Championship, he wouldn’t have to adapt - he would simply lower the level of intensity and that’s it,” the mentor explained.

Karpin found it difficult to assess how the Russian team could perform at the World Championships. "Don't know. Everyone is wondering what we would look like there. When there is no responsibility, everything works out,” he added.