Russian goalkeeping coach Vitaly Kafanov positively assessed the transition of the Russian goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin to Bristol City, who play in the English league.
– I have a positive attitude towards the transition of Nikita, he had two great seasons at the best club in Norway, he was the first number. Not everyone will decide to leave all this behind and set out to meet a new challenge. There he has a place [в стартовом составе] it was practically booked, the fans love it, you can tell they wear it on their hands. Not everyone can go to another league, where no one guarantees anything, and start all over again.
However, it is a step forward in his career as England’s second most important division is of a very high standard. The new league is at least not lower in level, if not higher, and no one guarantees a place. Nikita does it again. In terms of personal and professional development, this is a step forward. There is a different mentality, a different country, a different way of life and customs, all of this will only be a plus.
I am sure he will succeed. Maybe not right away, maybe you should wait for your chance. In Norway, he waited a year and then became the first number and the champion. Nikita does not have exceptional anthropometric or physical data and achieved all this mainly with his head and his analysis, because a good goalkeeper is a merit of mental abilities, Kafanov told Metaratings.ru.
The coach also said he will make Khaikin an example for young goalkeepers.
– There is such an expression “late football player”. Nikita, overall, has only been playing football for two years as a number one. I think he hasn’t played enough yet. After Norway, it can be said that it is not in vain that he has devoted himself to football for so many years and is already firmly on his feet.
An example of his career can be given to young novice goalkeepers who are entering adult football, in the masters team. Until the age of 25, nothing worked out for him – he traveled in many teams of different countries, took part in screenings, but they did not leave him. He didn’t give up, he kept believing he could play, he was looking for his team, where he could fulfill his potential.
I will cite him as an example for goalkeepers – how to show character in sports and prove your worth, – said Kafanov.
On January 25, it was reported that Haikin had joined Bristol City as a free agent. Before moving to Bristol City, Haikin played for Norwegian side Bode-Glimt, whose contract expired on December 31, 2022. From 2009 to 2013, the Russian goalkeeper played for Chelsea, Portsmouth and Reading youth teams .
Metaratings.ru
Source : MatchTV
I am Ben Stock and I work in Athletistic as an author. My specialty is covering football news and other related topics. I have been writing for this website since the past 2 years, crafting compelling stories with the latest updates in the sports world. My articles have gained widespread appreciation amongst readers due to their accuracy and depth of research.
