- Is leaving Khimki a dismissal or resignation?- Dismissal. I was informed that I would have to leave my position.
- Which one - coaching or presidential?- I was released from the head coach position. But I have no desire to stay on as president. Therefore, I intend to refuse it.
- The decision to dismiss came from the city of Khimki and the region?- Of course.
- How is it motivated?- Poor team results. In principle, one cannot disagree with this.
- Personal conflicts are not involved here?- Why? There were such conflicts. I even think that it was they who became the main reason for the dismissal. In the end, I never went under anyone, saying what I think. Nevertheless, I am grateful to the management for the opportunities provided to me. I am a forced man, therefore I am forced to submit to fate.
- Is it a shame to leave the club, which has been dedicated to so much time and effort?- Of course it's a shame. So what to do? Do you know which book I currently have on my desktop? Pushkin, "The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish". (Laughs.) Each of us may be left with nothing, today I am, and tomorrow you.
- Do you feel what mistakes were made in the first half of the season?“I'm not a saint!” Of course, there were mistakes. But it’s easier for you to judge this, it’s your job.
- You are considered perhaps the most democratic coach of the Super League. Maybe this was your miscalculation?- My friendship with the players concerned only everyday relationships. And in training, you know, you won’t get sick.
- Probably, this season you were the most criticized coach. How did you feel about the press?- I have always been quite normal towards criticism.
- Who will be called to replace you?- Oh, this question is not for me. He does not occupy me now.
- What are you planning to do now?- I’ll rest a bit, put my thoughts in order. I’ll weigh everything, think about what to do next. Naturally, I will stay in basketball. Moreover, the Executive Committee of the RBF entrusted me to lead the preparation of the Russian national team for the Universiade. We’ll start in June, but for now I’ll look at the candidates.
Nikolai TSYNKEVICH