The national team has been criticized by Russian media after failing to win any of their last seven friendly games.

“Praise is also criticism. We need to turn the criticism into a positive one. We have the chance to do just this,” Cherchesov said, adding that being criticized is “a natural phenomenon in the modern world.”

He also said that the team and coaches almost never talked about the critical remarks aimed at the squad since all coaches faced criticism.

“I am happy with my job, with where I am now, and I would like for it to continue for many years,” the coach added.

Russia, drawn in Group A, will play against Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, before also taking on Egypt and Uruguay.