The OK-ish performance of the Russian national team at the EURO 2020 was overshadowed by their former national team coach. Stanislav Cherchesov took the spotlight by, as a reaction to the whole press-conference-drinks-fiasco, opening a bottle of Coca Cola and drinking it with delight.The new Russian coach, Valery Karpin promotes a completely different approach to his players.Happy birthday to former Russia coach, Stanislav Cherchesov 🎉Throwback to this iconic moment from Euro 2020 🤣 pic.twitter.com/w67YepyupK— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) September 2, 2021 In a press conference Karpin gave ahead of the uninteresting clash against Malta as part of World Cup qualifiers – the 52-year-old admitted that he is trying to correct team’s nutrition by lobbying for a non-sugar diet, which, according to him, has a significant impact on the health of the Russian national team.”Some have lost weight during this international window, which is due to the load of the game, but also several weeks of proper nutrition (with the national team). They have eliminated sugar from their diet. But in a week they will start consuming it again.” said Karpin.”Through various menus, my team is trying to show them how to eat well and properly and that no one will die without cakes, sweets and chocolate.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##Karpin drew an interesting parallel: “Sweets for you is like when you pour 92 octane gas into a great car instead of 98. The same thing happens with a footballer’s diet.”He admits that he does not read what the press prints at all, which is not very favorable towards the publications of the national team.”I have already talked about this situation, and I can repeat: While I am in the national team, I do not read anything. However, although I do not read, I have heard criticism. But I did not pay special attention, because they are part of the job. There will be criticism. We haven’t lost a single game yet, and imagine what will happen if we lose.” Karpin was expressive on his view.Former Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo footballer says that overall he has nothing against the media.”That habit of not reading has developed over the years. I have to concentrate on things that are not good in the team and try to fix them. That is a priority. It is simply impossible to react to what is happening outside the national team.”
