Donbass in press

Alexander Kulikov: "We're Ready for the Next Step"

18-08-10 10:54:38
Recognized favorite of the Ukrainian hockey may have more competitors for the coming season. Donbass is ready to throw down the gauntlet. A vivid example is the invitation for the head coach of one of the leading experts of Russian hockey Alexander Kulikov, who already had an experience of winning the highest awards of the national championship in Kyiv Berkut.

- Alexander, I congratulate you on the return to Ukraine. By the way, where have you been?

- I worked for Steaua Buchuresti in season-2009/10 - they played in the championship of Romania and also in the mixed Romanian-Hungarian league. Later I spent two months in Spain with my wife, lived at home until May when an invitation from the second Slovakian division Previdza came. I was working there till June 25. The start was very good. We had got a great team. Ivan Dornich, who spent 15 years in Bratislava Slovan and played for the national team assisted me. The Belarusian Vladimir Colonels, known for his performances in Keramin, was working with goalies. By the way there was the Ukrainian Denys Samoylenko in roster. Born in 1988, he played for the Ukrainian junior team. Now he trains in Donetsk.

- What happened?

- As always it came of the financial problems. They assured us that the players would be all paid, but as time passed and nothing happened. So I didn't want just sit and idle. In late July I received a call Donbass Sergei Shakurov and offered to work with a prospective team. For a start I was invited to join them and see firsthand how things were. I didn't pull, we communicated well. He talked about his vision of hockey. Frankly, there were a couple of contenders.

We agreed to phone in a couple of days, but no sooner had I got off the train to Kyiv in order to visit my house out there, I've got a phone call from Donetsk.

In August 5th, I again arrived to Donetsk. There was almost everything ready for my arrival there. The range of the candidates is approximately delineated. In general, these are young guys. A goalkeeper Alexander Kharitonov from Kharkiv, defender and striker Eugene Michael Matsas Dolinin speakers in the last season in the Championship of Ukraine for Sokil and other Ukrainian players. In addition to them - even one man from Moscow and St. Petersburg, but it's not big names. We can say that they were on the outskirts of the Russian hockey. Totally there are 22 players, including three goalkeepers. .

-What are the challenges posed to the collective?

- Probably, while talking about it sooner is better - closer to the start of the season, when clearly defined circle of participants in the Ukrainian championship. Naturally, we are going to do better than last year, when he took last place. Frankly, we are prepared to move forward, and, a serious step.

- Are there any organizational problems?

- Small ones. We have three time meals for players, rent an apartment, along the way to deal with current domestic issues.
In sports terms, no problem either. From the director of the Leader ince-rink we agreed the schedule of the ice practices. While the four-day train (including training in the gym and on the ground), the fifth relax. The training program is designed for one month in advance. The shift began training for 15-20 minutes, compared with what I asked for it, you see, is not essential. If the plan was drawn up earlier, and could have avoided this.

- Will hold sparring?

- Unfortunately, not until early September with anyone. We are waiting for the Federation Cup, which will be held in Donetsk on September 2-4. We look forward to three games. We were already agreed to come Sokil vs. Kharkiv. There is one team. Perhaps it will be the club of Russia, and maybe someone from Kiev. For example, Berkut, or reviving the Companion.

- That is one of your main rivals in the Championship of Ukraine. Do you think they're ready to throw down the gauntlet?

- At least, we are going to. The first face of the club and the Donetsk Regional Hockey Federation Sergey and Vitaly Bychkov Shakurov - responsible people. In the city all the conditions for creating a good team. Preparing and changing a few age groups.

- Their staff you have already formed?

- In process. Nominations have already outlined. In the nearest future we're going to meet them and negotiate.

- So maybe it's time to wipe you and the KHL? In the spring, when in the midst of a saga Budivelnyk There were rumors about some global Donetsk plans to introduce in the strongest hockey league of Europe.

-While I was in this answer is not ready, but knowing the people that had to communicate, I think that we are equal. Let us, first distinguished himself in the Ukrainian championship.