Forward of the Moscow national basketball team Yevgeny Valiev after defeating Krasnodar Territory in the All-Russian Spartakiad group stage match (76:57), he told about his attitude to tournament favorite status and his collaboration with the head coach Vasily Karasev.
– The atmosphere in the team is good, works. We train a lot, we run. Now we need to acquire the optimal form – and at the same time, so that the head on the field works normally. The more experienced guys who played in the United League have to get used to the new team. Something to offer young people, and take something away from them. For example, “steal” their energy.
– In terms of line-ups, Moscow is considered the main favorite in the Spartakiad. Does the extra pressure bother you?
– Indeed, among the participants there is the MBA – the United League club, which acts as the Moscow team, several Super League clubs, the rest of the regions are represented by youth teams. In this sense, we can look like the favorites. But anything can happen in a match, so don’t relax. In addition, we have just started preparing for the United League championship. There is a lot of work to do, we have to establish mutual understanding, find our own rhythm, study what we are capable of.
– Under the leadership of Vasily Karasev, you have already played at club level, as well as for student and national teams. Did you accept the move to the MBA because of the figure of the coach?
– The coach contacted me, asked me if I wanted to work with him again. I said yes, and then it’s no longer our problem – the club and the agents have accepted.
Source : MatchTV
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