- Tell us how the story with Alexander Semin developed.
- On Sunday, when we returned from Switzerland, I called him and reminded that the collection was on Monday, at 16 o’clock. The fact is that initially we called the players at an earlier time, and I wanted to warn him. But Alexander suddenly announced that he could not fly. To my question why he couldn’t, Semin replied that he would arrive in Moscow only at 19.30 on the same day.
- And you?
“I asked how it was, but we warned what time it will be.” But Sasha said he did not know about it. But this is not true, we announced this a month before the appointed time. Baby talk.
- And what is he?
- I told him to change tickets and fly to Moscow so that he was in Novogorsk at 4 p.m. Because the team gathers at this time. As a result, he called yesterday at 20.30, said that he was going to the base, but then it was already decided not to take him to the national team.
“Did you talk to him after that?”
- Not.
- Do not forgive me?
- The decision has already been made and announced. Semin will not play at this World Cup.
“Whose decision is this?” Bykova?
- Collective.
- This coaching staff has a two-year contract. Does this mean that Semin will not be involved in the team at all under Vyacheslav Bykov?
“No, it doesn't.” Perhaps we will invite him to the next world championship. Doors are not closed for him.
- Do not you think that punishment is inadequate to misconduct?
- No, it doesn’t. It was announced to everyone when the collection begins. And all arrived on time.
- But Alexander does not live in Moscow, it was difficult for him to be in time.
- He knew about the plans as early as March 10th. You could come up with something, orient yourself and be at the camp. I would like to note that not a single NHL hockey player would allow himself to be late for a team gathering.
- Did Alexander even have a desire to play for the national team?
- Yes it was. At least in March, when I talked to him. Then, I had not had time to say anything yet, and hockey players began to wonder what number they should arrive at the training camp.
- Semin - a serious loss for the team?
- Yes, a serious loss. He is a very good player.
- Is it true that the initiative to let journalists into the locker room came from you?
- Yes. This practice is used in the NHL.
- But for some reason the team generally became very closed.
- That's right. When the playoffs begin in the NHL, all information goes through the press service. And to communicate with journalists, time and place are determined.
- How many seats will be held in the national team for NHL players?
- Depends on who will fly out in the first round of the playoffs. But all the guys playing in the NHL now are candidates for the team.
Alexey Shevchenko