In a revealing exclusive interview with Championship correspondent Oleg Lysenko, former Russian national team defender Alexander Anyukov has shed light on a personal chapter from his career, detailing how he navigated the disappointment of missing the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The veteran player, who earned over 70 caps for his country, disclosed that he deliberately chose not to watch the tournament matches, opting instead to simply check the final results.
The root of Anyukov's absence from the squad was a well-documented disagreement with then-head coach Fabio Capello. The Italian tactician, who managed Russia from 2012 to 2015, made personnel decisions that left several experienced players, including Anyukov, on the outside looking in. For a player of Anyukov's stature—a stalwart for Zenit Saint Petersburg and a key figure in Russia's defense for over a decade—the exclusion was a significant professional setback.
Anyukov described his emotional state during that period as one of relative calm, attributing his resilience to having multiple outlets and sources of support. "I calmly got through it," he stated, referencing the snub. "Thank God, there were things to distract myself with. I processed everything on my own at the time. This again relates to your question about generations."
The defender elaborated on the pillars that supported him during this challenging time, placing particular emphasis on his personal relationships and spiritual beliefs. He credited his family—specifically his father, mother, and wife—as well as close friends with whom he could have heartfelt conversations. Beyond his personal circle, Anyukov pointed to his hobbies and his continued work in football as crucial distractions.
However, the former player was most emphatic about the role of his faith. "But the main thing is that I have a place to draw strength and love from—thanks to God, faith, and the church," Anyukov explained. He described his spiritual practices, which include visiting holy sites and relics, reading the Gospel and other sacred texts, noting that "all of this gives a person strength."
When asked about his specific activities during June 2014, when the World Cup was in full swing, Anyukov confirmed that he engaged in leisure activities like fishing. Yet, his most telling admission was his complete disengagement from the live broadcasts of the tournament. "Did you watch the football?" the interviewer asked. "No. I only found out the results," Anyukov replied, underscoring his deliberate emotional distance from the event.
This revelation offers a glimpse into the psychological toll that major tournament exclusions can take on elite athletes. For Anyukov, a player who had represented Russia at UEFA Euro 2008—where they reached the semi-finals—and Euro 2012, missing the pinnacle event of world football was a blow that required a conscious strategy to manage. His approach of selective disengagement is a coping mechanism familiar to many athletes facing similar professional disappointments.
Anyukov's career, primarily defined by his long and successful tenure at Zenit Saint Petersburg where he won multiple Russian Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Cup, was marked by consistency and leadership. His exclusion from the 2014 World Cup squad, therefore, was not just a personal loss but also a talking point for Russian football fans who valued his experience and defensive reliability.
The interview provides valuable context for understanding the human side of squad selection decisions that often dominate headlines. While coaches like Capello make tactical and strategic choices, the players left behind must navigate complex personal and professional emotions. Anyukov's story highlights the importance of a strong support system and personal coping mechanisms in the high-pressure world of professional sports.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.