Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) is still looking for the necessary stability, even though it has one of the most experienced setters in world volleyball - Luciano De Cecco. Head coach Plamen Konstantinov explained the reasons for the fluctuations in the team's play, which were evident even in the away victory over Zenit (Saint Petersburg).
I can say that we are starting the season twice. The first time we started preparations in July, and then again after Luciano's arrival. It always takes time to get used to a new setter. With him, it happens a little faster than with anyone else, but it still takes time. I think that's where our ups and downs come from. We lack a bit of consistency," commented the Bulgarian specialist for BO Sport.
His words come after a match in which the Novosibirsk team twice almost paid dearly for relaxing with a large lead.
In the second set, Lokomotiv led 16:10 after a strong serving run by Denis Chereisky. However, the hosts won the next ten rallies with only two points for the opponent, turned the score to 20:18, and subsequently equalized the match score.
The fourth set was even more indicative. Konstantinov's team built up a 16:7 lead, but allowed Zenit to reduce it to 22:23. This time the visitors managed to avoid a complete comeback.
We led by six or seven points, and then we allowed Zenit to get too close. That's how we lost the second set and risked not winning the fourth," Konstantinov noted.
According to him, the problem is not limited to a loss of concentration. The Bulgarian coach pays special attention to the team's inability to break long opponent runs even when reception is good and the serve is not particularly dangerous.
This is also one of the most important elements that Lokomotiv needs to work on to achieve the necessary consistency.
In its analysis of the third round, BO Sport highlights De Cecco's impressive plays, Omar Kurbanov's strong attacks, and Chereisky's effective serve. Despite the superiority of the Novosibirsk team for a significant part of the match, however, it was the missed opportunities that allowed the opponent to stay in the game.
Konstantinov nevertheless noted a significant positive change compared to the surprising 0:3 loss to Gazprom-Yugra in the previous round.
The game discipline was much better. We reviewed the previous match and showed the guys what wasn't working and what we weren't executing correctly in the game system. I liked their reaction," the coach explained.
He pointed to the improvement in defense and blocking as a factor that allowed the team to save more balls and organize additional attacks.
The 3:1 (25:23, 22:25, 28:26, 25:22) victory over Zenit brought Lokomotiv three points, but also showed that the process of working with De Cecco is far from over.
The next match for the Novosibirsk team is on October 30, when they visit Orenburzhye.