The hall where the press conference was supposed to be held resembled a railway carriage. It was narrow and long. And, accordingly, close. Television men and photographers pretty nudged each other's elbows. But their efforts were rewarded.
The time for the press conference was set to purely railway - 11.15 (well, at least not 11.22). And, of course, the beginning was delayed. There was nothing surprising in this.
The main news of the day became known when the organizers began to put tablets on the table. Vladimir Yakunin (president of Russian Railways) was perceived normally (no one claimed for his post). But as soon as a sign was placed next to him with the name of the chairman of the board of directors, Sergey Lipatov, much became clear. For example, the fact that Valery Filatov will not be on the team.
A murmur swept across the hall. Everyone was waiting, whose name will be announced next. It turned out the name of Yuri Semin. Fans of Lokomotiv (and many members of the press sympathize with this team) began to whisper happily, but a sigh of disappointment swept across the hall - Anatoly Byshovets was to sit at the presidium table.
A minute later the main characters entered the room. Yakunin looked relaxed and smiled all the time. Sergey Lipatov carefully restrained his joy, and Yuri Semin, and this was especially noticeable, was worried. There was a feeling that he did not get what he was counting on. Anatoly Byshovets did not express any emotions at all. As usual.
“We considered all the issues,” Vladimir Yakunin began his speech. - The results of the championship were reviewed at the board of directors. And the results that have been achieved by our team.
This was said in a voice that did not bode well. And so it turned out.
“We are unhappy with the results,” the Russian Railways president confirmed the fears. - The debut and the ending of the championship were failed. This made me personally pay attention to the position in the team. I was not interested in this before.
As a result, a decision was made to relieve Valery Filatov, who had held the presidency for many years, from his post.
“We objectively examined the issue,” Yakunin looked into the eyes of journalists sitting nearby, so that they would not accuse him of cunning. - And it was a pragmatic decision.
The president emphasized the word “pragmatic”.
“The new president of the club will be Yuri Semin,” said Yakunin. And there was applause in the hall. But clapping somehow carefully.
“I hope that the Lokomotiv fans will also accept this decision,” the president remarked a little sarcastically.
So, he was not sure about it yet. And not in vain. The next decision by Yakunin (or, nevertheless, the board of directors?) Could hardly have pleased the club fans too much.
“The head coach of Lokomotiv will be Anatoly Byshovets,” said the head of the state monopoly. He immediately explained that "this decision is not easy." - We held consultations and only after that made a decision.
Further, Yakunin outlined the tasks assigned to the team. The goal is stated a bit vague "to make the team the best in the country in the next two years." At the same time, the task for the next season was specified - the first or second place.
Yuri Semin and Anatoly Byshovets could not say anything about this. Vladimir Yakunin defended them - they say they have just been appointed, they still do not know anything. So it makes no sense to talk about transfers and changes in the coaching staff.
Finally, the owner of the team said that Lokomotiv would fight corruption in general in Russian sports and in football in particular. But at the same time, he refused to associate vices with the former president of Lokomotiv. He said so, “we will fight evil in Russian football in general.”
It became clear that Lokomotiv would not support Yevgeny Giner in the presidential election.
Alexey Shevchenko