Rostov is my home. I'm proud of the team!"
In four rounds, the RPL has created too many sensations. Who could have expected the leadership of Lokomotiv, who defeated Spartak with a hat trick by Batrakov? Or Stanislav Cherchesov's victorious return to Akhmat in the match against Zenit? Krylia and Baltika suddenly jumped into the top 5. Against this background, Rostov was also surprised, which started with four (including cup) defeats. But it was worth doubting the future of not only the team, but also its coaching staff, as the Rostov team registered their first victory!
Viktor Onopko, a member of the club's coaching staff, spoke about the situation in the team, plans and prospects in an interview.
— Before the meeting with Paris NN, was there any fear that in case of failure, the club's management might invite a new headquarters following the example of Akhmat?
— I didn't even have that thought. The guys and I were only thinking about the game. Moreover, our president Artashes Vladimirovich [Harutyunyants] said shortly and clearly on the eve of the match: Rostov residents believe in us, and this is the main thing! And when, leaving the base, we saw the fans escorting us to the stadium, we felt it. That's when I first felt: This is our day!
— Was the game setup different from what it was in previous matches?
— Practically nothing. It was short and dynamic. Mr. (this is how they address head coach Jonathan Alba. — Izvestia) reminded us of what we had been paying attention to in recent classes, emphasized meeting the standards and once again urged us not to lose concentration until the final whistle. No pumping or summoning! We all knew that we owed it to those who loved us. This was the life of the great football players of Rostov, who achieved great victories with the team. May their memory be blessed...
— Were the changes in the squad forced or based on the characteristics of the opponent?
— Rather forced. Melekhin was missing a meeting because of a card shuffle. Chistyakov and Sako have not yet recovered from their injuries. But Mr. Shchetinin, Komarov, Langovich and Moheby decided to keep in reserve. But they didn't have any grudges. And when the guys went out on the field, I saw how their eyes were burning!
As for the permutations, Tarasov covered the left flank of the defense. Shantali was responsible for the support zone, and Suleymanov was in charge of Golenkov's attack. Despite the fact that Nizhny Novgorod was already ten down in the tenth minute, the game was difficult for us. Moreover, at the end of the first half, Golenkov did not realize a penalty. But after the break, we still managed to score. Komarov started the combination, and Suleymanov put an end to it. And before the final whistle, all our players were extremely focused.
— In meetings with Zenit and Dynamo, Rostov looked confident, showed interesting and modern football, but lost. What is the reason?
— In all theoretical classes and installations, Alba does not stop repeating: the main thing is not to lose concentration, keep it until the last minute. Especially when you have to defend yourself. Unfortunately, some are young, others lack experience, but not everyone succeeds. I'm talking about Melekhin, Vakhaniye, Komarov, Zhbanov, Tarasov, Ajas... This is the future of Rostov! But the sooner they realize that a great opponent does not forgive such weaknesses, the sooner they will reach a new level. In the meantime, the loss of concentration at the end of the match in St. Petersburg allowed Zenit to equalize, and then — after a ridiculous penalty — to take the lead.
The same miscalculation was made with Dynamo: the hosts scored an out, and after the rebound, the ball ended up with an undisguised Sergeev, who scored the winning goal. Although we played on equal terms with Zenit and Dynamo, we created chances and had good approaches. But they returned home with nothing.…
— In all the time you have worked with Karpin at Rostov, the team has never started a season with four defeats in a row. Is this a consequence of Valery Georgievich's departure or a combination of other circumstances?
— Rather the latter. We don't have the same choice of performers as, say, Zenit. In addition, we were left without such important players as Osipenko, Sutormin and Komlichenko, who were leaders not only on the field, but also in the locker room. Add to them Glebov, who had previously left for Dynamo. All of them were the core around which the game and the team were built. Such a loss could not but have its effect. And there was no way to save them.: wrong resources. Sutormin was on loan from us. Komlichenko was offered the best conditions, and he chose Lokomotiv, which is going to solve big problems. As for Osipenko, whom I consider to be the best defender in Russia, he was in great demand. I do not rule out that he agreed to Dynamo because Karpin was in charge of it. But I would not consider Valery Georgievich's departure to be the main reason for our initial failures. Which is evidenced by the fact that, having found ourselves in a difficult situation, we spent the end of last season quite well.
— What has changed in Rostov's work and game since Jonathan Alba took over?
— Practically nothing. For example, they worked on the same schedule and schedule at the training camp as before. Nothing has changed in the work of doctors, analysts, nutritionists — the same requirements, the same tasks. And if there are any innovations in the training process, they are insignificant and more emotional in nature. For example, there is more "short" football in pregame classes: 7-on-7 matches, on a limited court with large goals, without an offside position. All this creates an edge and makes you make decisions faster. And with a draw, everything is decided by penalties. Johnny, as Alba is also warmly called in the team, pays a lot of attention to tactical issues. By the way, the Spaniard conducts all classes dedicated to her in Russian. As well as the attitudes on which he is perhaps a little less emotional than Karpin, but consistent and accurate in detail. The playing direction remained the same: high pressure, as well as three phases of defense, from which the exit slightly changed. Golenkov moved forward in the attack with Komlichenko's departure. Suleymanov and Mohebi, who has recovered from injury, can also play in this position. But here a lot depends on the tactics and characteristics of the opponent.
— Has the arrival of defenders Chistyakov and Tarasov from Zenit, Nigerian midfielder Ajas and Lokomotiv forward Suleymanov solved the recruitment problem? Or does Rostov still need to be strengthened?
— The capabilities of Chistyakov, who has already been with us, are well known. He was also invited to the national team. A strong, high-quality defender. The promising Tarasov is only 19 years old. So he still has to gain experience in the RPL. And adapting at that age and in a new team is not an easy task. It will be easier for Chistyakov in this regard. Just like Suleymanov, who came from Lokomotiv and is eager to fight. Which he already confirmed with his first goal against Paris NN. We have high hopes for the 20-year-old Nigerian Ajas. He is a very intelligent and technical midfielder who plays for the youth national team. But even here, a lot depends on adaptation. That's all for now. And, although the club does not have special financial opportunities to replenish the squad, work is underway in this direction.
— Do the four goals conceded in the home match against Krylia Sovetov not mean that Rostov's main task is to strengthen the defensive line, which was considered one of the most reliable?
— When a team concedes so many goals, and even at home, they immediately start blaming the defense for everything. We had conceded four goals in three matches before the meeting with the Wings, and here we conceded the same number in one. Still, I don't agree that it's only the defenders' fault. In such cases, you can and should also ask those who unjustifiably lost balls in their penalty area, did not have time to cover their opponent, or did not insure their partner in time. The combination of all these mistakes usually leads to missed goals. I can't say for myself that Chistyakov and Umar Sakho couldn't play against Krylia, with whom the defensive line would have felt more reliable. And there are no such leaders as Glebov and Osipenko in it anymore — time always changes something. And sometimes not for the better. So, we must not lose heart, look for a way out and move on. Rostov now has a backbone around which the team can and should rally. These are Golenkov, Kuchaev, Vakhaniya, Bayramyan — they are able to lead. And often such situations, in which we find ourselves, harden the team, make it stronger, stronger.
— What was your first reaction to Karpin's decision to leave Rostov?
— When I found out about it, I took it as a bad dream. After all, when we held training camps, nothing like this was even discussed. And just before the first game with Dynamo, Karpin announced his decision to leave the team. It was not impromptu, because by that time he had already agreed everything with the president of the club. But it came as a big and unpleasant surprise to everyone: after all, we had worked so much together. At the same time, it was announced that Jonathan Alba, who was Georgievich's first assistant, would lead the team.
— Did Karpin explain what made him take such a step?
— In the evening, after gathering the coaching staff, he frankly admitted that he was very tired from exhausting trips. Our airport is closed. So I had to get to the matches and back on crossovers: bus – train, plane – bus, train –plane. It's a crazy strain for a coach to prepare a team in such conditions. And at the same time, ask the guys as much as possible. It was felt that the decision to leave was not easy and he was very worried. We understood him, because we were there all the time and saw how hard it was for him. But, as you know, only the head coach is responsible for everything. But no one could give an answer as to when changes would come in such a "nomadic" life. So we parted with sadness.…
— After leaving, several clubs showed interest in Karpin. Did you expect Valery Georgievich to head Dynamo?
— I admit, no. Although I read in the news earlier that Karpin is also on the list of candidates being considered by Dynamo. But you never know what they write! Georgic himself said that he was going to focus only on the national team, because he was very tired and had to take a break. But I was sure that he would not have a long rest: it was not in his nature.
Why did Karpin give the go-ahead to Dynamo? This is a club with the ability to solve big problems, which has been standing still for many years. The season before last, I was half a step away from gold, but I didn't have enough character. Karpin has one. As well as the desire for great victories. Yes, there were none in Rostov. But together with Georgich, we did everything we could — we fought in the Russian Cup, trained the guys for the national team. But the most important thing is that we played football, for which we were respected. In short, we were moving forward.
By the way, Rostov is approaching its 100th anniversary, by which time, I hope, we will get back on our feet and celebrate it with dignity.
— Many people thought that those who worked with Karpin at Rostov would help him in the Dynamo coaching staff. Is there any resentment that this did not happen?
— There is no offense and there could not be, because Karpin did not promise any of us that if he headed any club, we would definitely work together. I do not exclude that he discussed this point with the Dynamo management. But it's not very convenient for me to talk about such a delicate topic. In addition, everyone who stayed at Rostov has a good relationship with the president, which we value very much, and we appreciate his attention to the team. Even if there was an opportunity, it's not a fact that everyone would have left. Especially the Spaniards, who have seven people on the coaching staff, including Alba. As for Vitaly Kafanov's departure, I don't know why he did it. I know that he has a valid contract with the RFU. And now, as one of the coaches of the national team, he travels around the country and reviews candidates.
— Do you communicate with Karpin? How do you like the current Dynamo, which, according to experts, he wants to turn into an improved version of Rostov?
— We communicate, but not so often: everyone has enough problems. As for the talk about how he is going to make Dynamo, then surely Georgich wants to see a team playing fast modern football. It is clear that this is expected of him today and now. But for now, a new coach and team are being lapped up, which is just beginning to get used to the requirements. And this is a long process. But Karpin is one of those who knows how to endure and get his way. Yes, there were no big victories in Rostov. But the fact that our fans and others spoke about us with respect is worth a lot. In short, Karpin's Dynamo is a matter of time. And a lot of it will depend on the players themselves. You need to realize that in the fight for the championship, you need to treat yourself with maximum care... If you want to be better than your competitor for a place in the squad, don't spare yourself! If they understand this, it means that everything that a coach named Karpin can do will work. Believe me, I know that.
— This is your fourth season at Rostov. What does this club mean to Viktor Onopko?
"This is my house!" Everything is here — your favorite job, the attention of people who are always ready to help. And most importantly, the kindness and attention of Rostov residents, who sincerely love their team and live by its traditions. And Lugansk, where I was born and grew up, is not far away. Where the father is buried. Mom and her brother, who lives in Donetsk, came to visit me in Rostov. They remembered my father, may his memory be blessed...
I am happy to be in this bright and kind city. I am proud of my team!
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
