"We will only be glad when Ovechkin returns to Dynamo

Roman Rotenberg stayed out of work in the KHL for about a month. Officially, his dismissal from SKA took place on June 2. And on July 1, Rotenberg was introduced as a member of the board of directors of Dynamo Moscow. The announcement stated that Roman would take over the work of the children's and youth schools, as well as the development of youth hockey.

In an interview with Izvestia and Sport-Express, the functionary and head coach of the Russia 25 national team spoke about the new challenge, Ovechkin, Gusev and the future.

— How did the option of joining the Dynamo Moscow structure come about?

— I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to work here. When I was a kid, when my father took me to the wrestling gym, it was called Dynamo. This is Dynamo Leningrad, so it has always been close to our family. We appreciated this club and at that moment we could practice judo. I am very happy and grateful to the fans for welcoming me into the Dynamo family (the conversation took place after the match between the blue and white fans). From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the fans who invited me to the charity match.

— Were you surprised that Nikita Gusev was in Dynamo on a trial contract?

— Nikita and I communicate well and are friends. I talked to him, but more about children, not about contractual issues. I told him that we are developing children's hockey, and if he decides to send his son to our sport, we can help him develop. It's good that Nikita stayed at Dynamo. I see that he is looking better and better, he is getting a second wind. We are always there and ready to help. Especially when it comes to children.

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Roman Rotenberg, coach of the Russia 25 national team, talks about his retirement from SKA and his future

— Did you have a conversation before signing the contract?

— Yes, we talked for a long time, but, as I said, we discussed children and hockey development more. I've known Nikita for a long time, and I'm grateful that we managed to bring him back to big-time hockey from Ugra. They wrote him off there, and we helped him get back into the Russian national team. Gusev became an Olympic champion. There are different situations in life, but I think whatever happens is for the best. Nikita benefited from the transfer to Dynamo. I always speak honestly and directly. What we discussed then helped. Now we are talking about the future and about children.

— Dynamo extended the agreement with Maxime Comtois. Is this the KHL's best foreign player at the moment?

— The game will show, but I've always said that I'm one of the best. Hockey is a team sport, and there are other strong guys. I think the managers and coaches did a very good job.

— This offseason in the KHL has become crazy. What is the reason?

— All the more interesting. Whatever happens is for the best. Life will put everything in its place. We do our best to achieve the best results, develop children, adult players, and win, so we always have to take it calmly. The regular season starts, and we'll learn a lot.

— Would you like to host the Channel One Cup at VTB Arena?

— We wanted to play at the VTB Arena, but unfortunately there is no such opportunity because all the dates are busy. Maybe it will work out in a year, it will be right. Now we will hold negotiations. This season it is more logical to hold matches in the regions. We played in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and won the tournament two years in a row. Of course, we want to go on the ice with full stands. We are obliged to show the Russian national team in the regions as well.

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— You played with Alexander Ovechkin in the summer. Was his name at Dynamo?

— Of course, we will only be glad when Sasha returns. He's in crazy shape — he's seen how he throws nines and trains. I know a lot of players, but I can definitely say that Sasha is the most hardworking. Ovechkin can score 50 goals next season, and I have no doubt about it. God forbid that there were no injuries, and then time will tell. Once again, I want to thank him for what Sasha is doing for our hockey — the NHL sniper record has given a huge boost to development. We don't fully understand that our children and grandchildren will remember this achievement. Thanks to him, children will start playing hockey.

— Do you see Ovechkin as a coach?

— This question should be asked to Sasha — how he sees his work in the future. Sasha is very motivated, this person is able to surprise everyone. There is no logical explanation for this: I talked to Canadians, and they say that Ovechkin's speed was higher at the age of 20, but at the same time he throws even more. It's a phenomenon! If he wants to, he can play for many more years.

— Next season is his last season under contract with Washington.

— This is a question for Sasha, and I don't want to speak for him. I repeat that the striker is in crazy shape and will surprise everyone with his performance, I am sure of it.