Football pundit slams Russia's call-up of PSG goalkeeper Safonov
Football pundit Alexander Bubnov has sharply criticised the decision to call up PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov for Russia's upcoming friendly matches. He claimed the player has nothing to gain from participating and questioned the move outright. Bubnov's remarks also extended to broader concerns about the national team's future. Bubnov made his position clear in strong terms, stating, 'Safonov has no business playing in these friendlies.' He argued that the goalkeeper's inclusion serves little purpose under current conditions. According to the pundit, even the player's own enthusiasm for joining should not influence selection.
The critic stressed that head coach Valery Karpin holds full authority over squad decisions. While acknowledging Karpin's right to choose or omit players, Bubnov maintained that Safonov's call-up was unjustified. His stance aligns with his long-standing view that the national team should be disbanded entirely. Neither the Russian Football Union (RFU) nor Karpin has responded to Bubnov's comments. As of 2 April 2026, no official statement has addressed the criticism or the future of the team.
Bubnov's latest remarks reinforce his opposition to both Safonov's selection and the national team's continued operation. With no reaction from the RFU or Karpin, the debate over the squad's direction remains unresolved. The goalkeeper's participation in the friendlies now faces added scrutiny.
