Those who have the Internet, learned about the change of coach in the “Locomotive” before the players of the team. The players, having arrived at the morning training session, were very surprised to see the president there. The meeting was very brief.
- Due to the fact that the team performed very unsuccessfully in European competitions, we decided to make changes in the coaching staff, - Valery Filatov explained to the silent football players. - The team will now be led by Oleg Dolmatov.
After practicing in the morning, the players went on vacation. Midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletidnov did not want to comment on the decision of the management on the phone:
- Yes, we also found out about this morning. There were no rumors about this. We were told about the new coach at the meeting.
The footballer said that the second lesson will begin at 15.30 and by this time he will probably get his thoughts together. But later it turned out that this did not happen.
However, reporters wanted to go to training. The guard at the Lokomotiv base was polite. He copied the data from the editorial certificate, but did not let him in:
- Today everyone is crazy. Usually, journalists were easily allowed in, but today we have been completely banned. Only a reporter for one of the newspapers can get inside (Dolmatov’s personal request - A.Sh.). We are very surprised. What happened to our leadership? What happened?
- The coach was changed.
- What are you! But nobody told us anything. We did not know.
The local resident, who washed the car near the base, kindly indicated which tree it is better to climb on in order to normally see the lesson. Of course, everyone climbed on him. Then the guard came up again, said hello to the native. He asked that no one jump into the territory.
- We are responsible for the base. And what is being done behind the fence is completely none of our business.
Oleg Dolmatov stood in midfield and led the players. He had already received club equipment and felt very confident.
- Go ahead, go forward! he shouted. - And now to the center. The center is the most important thing in football.
Vladimir Eshtrekov, who was again brought closer to the team, looked at the journalists who had stuck around the trees, and put forward the idea of “removing” everyone from an air rifle. No one supported him. Dolmatov did not pay attention to anyone at all.
“Come on, work,” he advised the guys. - More active, more active. Now - stop. Stretched out.
During a short bilateral match, defender Vadim Yevseyev received a thigh. His offender remained unrecognized. Evseev, by the way, when the coach stopped training to give instructions, he almost demonstratively left him farthest.
After training, the players did not want to share their impressions.
“I won’t say anything,” Evseev was very nervous.
“But at least tell me, did Muslin’s resignation come as a surprise to you?”
- No comments, relax.
Sergei Gurenko, who was leaving the base by car, stopped literally for a couple of seconds.
“I have nothing to say yet,” he had already begun to close the car window. - Yes, we ourselves are surprised by the changes in the coaching staff. Very surprised.
- How was the training?
- Fine.
- Are there many differences in classes?
... But Gurenko has already left. His teammate Dmitry Sychev was also laconic.
“The dismissal of the coach surprised me,” he admitted. - But I will not comment on it. The time will come, and you will know everything yourself.
Oleg Dolmatov left the base in a huge jeep and, despite requests from journalists to stop and talk, he just added gas.
“Of course, it’s strange that this all happened,” thought goalkeeper Alexei Polyakov. - It seems that everything has not been lost in the championship, there are seven rounds ahead. And we have great chances to become champions. Are I worried about my fate? No, completely calm.
As it became known, the official presentation of the new Lokomotiv coach will take place next week. There is probably a fear that after the match with Zenit one more meeting will have to be held.
Alexey Shevchenko