Barys forward Damir Zhafiarov told how he survived the stage of his career at Ak Bars Kazan, where he was put on the reserve list.
Zhafyarov joined Barys in the offseason as a free agent, signing a one-year contract. On Wednesday, the Kazakh club lost to Avangard (3:4 OT) in a Blinov Cup friendly match.
— With what feelings did you return to Omsk?
— Everything is fine, Omsk was a pleasure in the summer, it is very beautiful. Many fans come to the tournament, there are interesting matches. Seven goals, overtime, penalty shootout. The fight was interesting. I think everyone liked the game.
— Is it unusual to look at Avangard from the outside?
– There is such a feeling, yes. On the other hand, it is clear that our work is like this. You can spend your entire career in one club or travel around the league. The main thing is to give your best and try 100% where you come. I have warm memories of Omsk and the fans, as well as the atmosphere in the arena. Emotions are only positive.
— How important is it for you now to be part of a team that wants to play from the attack?
— It is important in any team to accept what the coaches want. Do tasks, regardless of the system. Now something is more familiar to me. But the new team, the guys, the partners. We have to find the right “alchemy”, as they say. It’s a relationship. We are doing it and everything should go well for us.
— Was it a difficult stage for you in Ak Bars, when for six months you were just sitting in the reserve and were not allowed to play?
– Yes, different thoughts arose. But I am surrounded by very good people who helped me in everything. My family and those who are nearby, who support me in other matters. I think that after the Ak Bars stage I became stronger. This is a certain experience, and I perceive it that way. I do not remember how bad it was. It was probably necessary. “I will only be better for it,” Zhafyarov told .
Last season, Zhafyarov scored 2 (1+1) points in 16 games for Ak Bars, after which he was traded to Avangard.
The new season of the FONBET KHL Championship starts on September 3.
TV Match
More sports news in our telegram channel .
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
