India’s 0-4 Loss to Russia: Coach Yuri Krasnozhan Highlights Young Side’s Potential
Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan praised the development of the Indian Women’s National Football Team despite their 0-4 defeat in the international friendly at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8, highlighting the young players’ pace and potential as important positives for the future.
Xtratime Webdesk: Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan praised the development of the Indian Women’s National Football Team despite their 0-4 defeat in the international friendly at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8. She highlighted the young players’ pace and potential as important positives for the future.
Russia secured a comfortable victory, but Krasnozhan admitted that his team produced two contrasting halves. While the opening period presented challenges, the visitors improved considerably after the break to finish the match on a positive note.
“We are satisfied with the result, 4-0, but we played two different halves. In the first one, it was not so successful for us, except for five to seven minutes at the end. But the second half we played much better,” Krasnozhan said in the post-match press conference.
Explaining his team’s early difficulties, the Russian coach pointed to the need to adapt to the playing conditions, the ball and their opponents. He also acknowledged the impact of Kolkata’s weather, including the high humidity and rain, on the match. However, the cooler conditions during the game made it easier for his players to adapt and perform, he added.
Yuri Krasnozhan also expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Russian contingent in India and appreciated the supporters who attended the match. Despite the relatively modest attendance, he was impressed by the crowd’s reactions to the players’ performances and the atmosphere they created for both teams.
Speaking about the Indian side, the Russian coach identified the pace of the players and the team’s youth as encouraging signs. He noted that several players were unfamiliar faces compared with their previous meetings, reflecting the changes taking place within the Indian squad.
Although Russia appeared physically stronger, Krasnozhan stressed that the result should also be viewed in the context of India’s longer-term progress.
“Today they lost, but it is a very important loss for the team in order to be better in the future,” he said.
India will have another opportunity to test themselves against Russia when the two teams meet again on October 11, offering the young Indian side valuable international experience and another chance to build on their development.
