- For two years in a row, our team at the junior championship was left without medals. Now do you have a chance to bring at least some reward?
- There is always a chance. For example, before the youth national team of Russia, which played at the world championship in winter, no one posed big tasks. They didn’t even particularly hope that the team would break into the top three winners. But in the end it all ended in a finale.
“Are you being underestimated now?”
- We have only one task - to win. But such conversations go, as if nothing should be expected from this team. Yes, we have a young roster, a lot of inexperienced guys. But that doesn’t mean anything.
- For you, this is the second major tournament this season. Can you compare the junior team with the youth? By relations within the team, by game potential.
- I do not know the junior team very well. I am in the team only one day, I arrived later than everyone. It seems that everything is fine here. The guys want to win.
- You are the oldest in the team. Build partners?
- No, this is not felt at all. We are one team.
- Did you even want to go to the national team? Just talked that you should not call.
- Well, yes, the difficult season has turned out. I rested for two days, but that was enough.
- Is there a chance that you will be taken to the third major tournament this season?
- Where is it?
- For the adult world championship?
- No, it is excluded. They have already decided on the composition.
- But still, probably satisfied with the season?
- Of course. I would like to say thanks to the coach who trusted me. I honestly did not think that everything would turn out like that. Now my task is to win the championship of Russia.
- The bronze medal is also not bad.
- “Vanguard” is not a team that would be happy with such a result. But if bronze - let it be.
- Wasn’t it better to conduct a series for bronze medals?
- No, don't. We took the second place in the regular season. The first stage must have at least some significance.
- Who will you root for in the finals?
- Hard to say. Ak Bars lost its position a little, it was clear that they had difficulty meeting with CSKA. And Metallurg, on the contrary, is on emotions.
- And whose goalkeeper is stronger?
- I scored Scott, but Noronen - no. But the goalkeeper of Metallurg played very well against us. I think he is stronger.
Alexey Shevchenko