"I'm proud of Ovechkin's record as a simple Russian peasant"

UEFA is under incredible pressure regarding the return of Russian football to the international stage, but positive steps have already been taken, said legendary Russian coach Oleg Romantsev. Also in an interview with Izvestia and Sport-Express, the former coach of Spartak and the Russian national team spoke about the appointment of Igor Shalimov as head coach of Fakel and said he would definitely congratulate Valery Gazzaev on the 20th anniversary of CSKA's victory in the UEFA Cup.

— There is more and more talk about additional psychological pressure on Zenit due to the celebration of the club's centenary. But Stanislav Cherchesov, on the contrary, says that he loved matches in which everything was decided. Because they were the only ones who showed you what you were worth. And what do you think about it?

— I don't understand, what is the connection between the centenary of the club and the game? A football player must go to any match with the idea of winning. This is the essence of his profession. Everything else stays in the locker room. Zenit has real professionals who can't help but know this.

Of course, the game with the sinking Paris NN, when they literally snatched the victory with their teeth, hurt the eye. Zenit lacks the ease and confidence with which championship gold is forged. At the same time, a year ago, the residents of St. Petersburg did not give up until the very end, having solved everything only in the last round. So Sergey Semak's team has a lot of experience. Although in such situations, her playing and psychological tone depends solely on the coach, who, as you know, is responsible for everything.

At the same time, the management is no-no, and reminds him of the big date, as well as of its importance for St. Petersburg. This is the same cargo that Sergey Bogdanovich works with and lives with for 24 hours. As they say, the team wins and the coach loses. The main thing is not to give in to the emotions associated with the upcoming anniversary, but to live only with each new match.

I remember the Moscow Olympics, when before the semi-final with the GDR, our national team was overwhelmed by an avalanche of moral and volitional training. Every day, there are meetings with party and Komsomol leaders, heroes of labor, and calls for victory at the Lenin monument... As a result, we were simply "pumped". And we went out on the field feeling squeezed, thinking about anything but the game, which left us without a final. Although, objectively speaking, we were stronger than the Germans. It's a lifelong lesson.

— Igor Shalimov accepted the Torch, although the team is on the verge of relegation from the RPL. In a similar situation, you once led Dynamo, which was eventually saved. What would you recommend from that experience, Oleg Ivanovich, to your pupil, whose team was one step away from the abyss?

— To begin with, I think Igor's decision is the right one. Yes, the situation when you are invited to play the role of a "rescuer" is not an easy one. But no matter how it develops, it strengthens the coach. I know from my own experience how difficult and responsible she is. And when I found out about it, I wished him good luck — I started rooting for Igor Shalimov, who also got amazing fans. For them, the home team is life. And even if Fakel has to take a step back, I don't see it as a tragedy. Sometimes such blows of fate only harden! An example is the story of Spartak, who left the major league, after returning to which he was reborn and went on the championship path. I am proud and happy that I went through it with wonderful partners, dear friends and wise Nikolai Petrovich Starostin.

— Spartak striker Pavel Meleshin, the son of your pupil Alexey, is the second scorer of the first league this season. Do you think that with such a choice of forwards as Dejan Stankovic, Pavel will still get a chance at Spartak?

— I admit, I haven't seen Pavel on the field for a long time. But I wasn't surprised that he broke into the ranks of the FNL's top scorers. He has the character of a real striker, for whom there is only one goal — to score, score and score. That was felt even in the short time spent at Spartak. But the competition was too great then. He did well to agree to go on loan, where there is an opportunity to play and grow. Someone might have given up, lost heart. But Pavel is not like that. And here Dzyuba is an example for him. Fate threw Artyom everywhere — to Tom, Rostov, and Tula Arsenal. And he not only stood up, but was in the lead everywhere. And Pavel understood this, because in the first league goals are not given for nothing. It means that the guy is getting stronger, maturing. I hope that Spartak is watching him.

But recently I was unlucky — I got a serious injury (rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee. — Ed.). But I'm sure he'll get back on his feet — God helps people like him. Good luck to you, Pashenka, and a speedy return to the field — only in a Spartak jersey!

— Recently, Zoran Lakovic, director of the UEFA National Associations Department, said that this year he hopes for Russia's return to the European sports family. And UEFA has transferred €5 million in solidarity payments to the RFU for the 2023/24 season. Does this mean that we will really return to the international calendar soon?

— I want to believe that everything will be exactly like that. I won't offend the big boss, but you shouldn't flatter yourself about his words. But the money that FIFA and UEFA treat with care is serious. And it is not only encouraging, but also encouraging. Although I am worried about the words of UEFA President Ceferin, who said that "unfortunately, we live in crazy times and what I see in geopolitics is alarming."

If the already enraged European Union threatens to apply the most severe measures against those who accept Russia's invitation to come to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, then one can imagine what pressure UEFA is under. But the fact that they don't forget us at the European headquarters and even give us money gives us hope. So let's believe!

— Maxim Mitrofanov, General Secretary of the RFU, allowed the Russian national team to play on neutral fields, but added: this is definitely a temporary measure, since the main task is to achieve the right to play in our country. Perhaps it's worth considering this option, which would allow you to play with higher-class opponents? Besides, Serbia has already expressed its willingness to accept our team.

— I totally agree with that. If such a chance arises, then it's a sin not to take advantage of it. And this will be the first step towards a comeback. And when permission is received from UEFA, then, as you have noticed, the high-level rivals will catch up. After all, we still have good football relations with many countries, which they are ready to resume.

Serbia immediately extended its hand! I remember how warmly Partizan's management welcomed us before the Champions League match in Belgrade. Legendary coach Milyan Miljanic said many kind words about Spartak at the dinner that night, sending greetings to his old friend Nikita Pavlovich Simonyan. And even though we won, the stands treated us with respect. So if it works out, then the pitch in Belgrade will not be neutral for the Russian national team, because we will feel at home there.

— May will mark the 20th anniversary of CSKA's victory in the UEFA Cup. Have you ever thought that your friend Valery Gazzaev left the coaching profession too early?

— Yes, this thought has occurred to me more than once. And I'm not the only one. It is a sincere pity that our football has lost such a professional as Gazzaev was and remains. We often talk about this topic with Yuri Semin. I am convinced that he would still benefit his Locomotive, which has a very attractive youth.

I admit, I have never discussed with Gazzaev the reasons for his retirement from the profession — it is too sensitive a topic. I only know that he is a determined man, responsible for his actions. And whether he regrets it is already from the field of lyrics, which, by virtue of his profession, our brother coach is not subject to. I foresee the question: then why did Romantsev leave even earlier? Unfortunately, there is a lot to do with health. Fortunately, my friends are still in combat uniform today. Add to this their vast coaching experience, football wisdom, and the ability to create a team... And you will realize that these are still high-class specialists. Yes, and with an iron character. However, not all club owners like it now. At least that's how it was with Semin at Lokomotiv. But that's the coaching profession.

As for Valery Georgievich, I will definitely congratulate my old friend once again on his unforgettable victory in the UEFA Cup, the first in Russian football! And let's sit down with him like a human in the sun, let's remember the old days. And, of course, those who are no longer with us and who helped us win. May their memory be blessed…

— Oleg Ivanovich, did you manage to congratulate Alexander Ovechkin on his great record? And weren't you surprised by those who questioned his achievement?

— Unfortunately, I haven't met Alexander yet. But I really hope that one day it will happen and I will shake his hand. In the meantime, like the rest of the world, I rejoice at his incredible achievement. And I am proud that now this record, which was considered eternal, belongs to a Russian simple peasant, who was given a standing ovation even in the USA.

I am also proud that I had the opportunity to communicate with such great hockey players as the Mayorov brothers, Vyacheslav Starshinov, Vyacheslav Fetisov, Igor Larionov, Alexey Kasatonov, who infected Ovechkin with dedication and love for their work.

As for those who are unhappy with this grandiose event and even spoke about it with some malice, I just feel sorry for them. They are either jealous of Alexander, or they want to somehow stand out. I don't read such filth myself. But I remember how, as a young coach, after winning a match, I went into Starostin's office. He looked at me with a sly smile and suddenly asked: "Do you know, Oleg, how many enemies you've made with your victories?" "Why is that? — asked the wise Nikolai Petrovich. "So remember, not everyone likes winners." He smiled sadly and shook his head.

Then I realized and forever remembered that only the weak dislike the strong. Therefore, once again, I sincerely congratulate Alexander on his great victory. Good health to you and everyone who helped you achieve this goal!