The coach of "Lokomotiv" Novosibirsk frankly about the reasons for the weaker performance, sending Molotkov to France, and the fight for the Cup.
In an interview with "BO Sport", the head coach of "Lokomotiv" Novosibirsk Plamen Konstantinov analyzed the team's season, after for the second consecutive year they remained without medals in the championship and participated in the Final Six of the Russian Cup.
He explains that the team took a step back in the quality of their game due to several main reasons: the change of setter and the lack of the same synergy with the new player (Kobzar versus Abaev), as well as the failure to attract and adapt the foreign player Leal. Konstantinov does not regret parting ways with Leal in the middle of the season, as he did not show the required level against strong teams and did not put in enough effort, pointing out that Omar Kurbanov performed more strongly in the second half.
The coach details the difficulties in attracting high-class legionnaires and even high-class Russian players to Novosibirsk, with geography (Siberia scares many), financial competition from other leagues (Turkey, Japan, Italy) and wealthier Russian clubs, as well as the political situation, being key factors. In this situation, "Lokomotiv" often attracts players from lower positions on their wish lists, or relies on its own trainees and developing players like Kurbanov, whom other clubs have "written off". Nevertheless, they managed to attract Sam Deroo for next season, whom Konstantinov sees as a key player for important matches, despite his injury history.
Konstantinov also touches on the topic of developing young players, explaining the decision to send Vasily Molotkov on loan to France to gain experience in a different, more balanced and demanding championship (Molotkov played one season in Montana - editor's note). He emphasizes the importance of coaches' work on the technical development of players and expresses the challenge and satisfaction of this process.
Separately, he highlights the huge difference between the two official balls - "Mikasa" and the Russian "Volley", calling them "two different worlds". He explains how this affects players (especially foreigners) in serving and receiving and predicts problems for Russian teams if they eventually return to playing with "Mikasa" on the international stage.
Despite the difficulties during the season and the first loss in the Cup, Konstantinov states that the team will fight to the end for the trophy, as they did not achieve the desired results in the championship and this is the only way to save the season.
photos: lokovolley
