Izmailov might need an Advocaat

By Gia Saralidze, exclusively to VK

A row between Dick Advocaat and Vasiliy Utkin started after the sports journalist harshly criticized the decision to include Sporting Lisbon FC player Marat Izmailov in Russia’s national team in his blog. The main portion of the criticism, however, was aimed against the player, and not the coach.

In his blog Utkin called Izmailov a ‘psycho’, and said that it was a wide-spread opinion in the football community.  According to Utkin, if Izmailov becomes a member of Russia’s national team, he won’t do it any good, and he is likely to do something awkward, something the national team’s administration will have to apologise for.

Advocaat’s response was quick. In an interview to ‘Sport-Express’ he said: “I found out what a certain person has said about Izmailov. We were outraged by these allegations. The same person insulted Mr Putin before, and now he insults one of my players. Izmilov himself and I, we are very disappointed”.

“I believe that Izmailov has already defended his right to be on the national team. He is a quality player, a true team player. He had to face some difficulties at Sporting to come here, but he wants to play for the national team. Yes, he hasn’t been on the team for a long time, but I don’t think it’s going to be a problem”. Advocaat also stressed that on the eve of Euro-2012 the team needs support, and not criticism.