|
GAZZAEV: WANT TO WORK WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM
The former head coach of CSKA Valery Gazzaev gave the first interview
after his resignation to Sport Express.
| |
|
|
Valery Gazzaev Photo SPORT
EXPRESS
|
"CSKA of the second round in 2008 is the best team
in twenty years of my coaching career," said Gazzaev. "That
concerns everything: quality of the game, results, level of the players,
their psychology, tactics, and team spirit. This team shows fantastic
football of the European class."
"Today's CSKA is even better than in 2005 when we won the UEFA Cup
and two titles in Russia. Three years ago the team was very young [the
youngest to win the UEFA Cup]: Vagner Love, Zhirkov, Krasic, brothers
Berezutsky were just over 20 and Akinfeev even less."
"But they have grown up. If they were hanging about and people said
that they played as in 2005 there would be nothing to be proud of. Progress
is needed and I am happy that we have it."
"My task as a coach lies in picking up young players and developing
their best qualities. To those I have mentioned such players have joined
as Dzagoev and Mamaev. They have their whole sports career ahead. It is
not for nothing that in Europe clubs express great interest to our players."
"Last half a year I was going to work with pleasure. On the one hand
I am a pragmatic man, as any work requires result. But if the result is
achieved with good play that is what we all are striving for. The players
were enjoying the game themselves. In the last twenty match days and international
matches our game was like a show."
"Many people do not understand how could I leave the team of the
dream. I asked the club president for resignation as early as in the summer
as I had several certain circumstances for that. I came and said that
I could work no longer. He tried to convince me to stay at least till
the end of the season and I could not refuse. But I added: 'Even if we
become champions, I will leave this year.' And I did not change my mind."
"Of course it is very difficult for me to leave such a wonderful
team that I have created myself. I would not deny that I leave with regret.
But at the same time with pride for the work I have done."
"I am convinced that CSKA is ready for the Champions League now.
We have eight positions with the players of the highest level and the
necessary experience. In the autumn the players were not afraid of anybody,
they entered the field with the sense of self-confidence."
"I had a lot of personal problems and that is why I made up my mind
to leave. We live not only with football and it happens that some burden
makes you take a break. Add to this several failures in the championship
and you have my retirement. In the summer I did not want to work any longer,
and if it had not been for the president of the club I would have left."
"My personal dream is to have good rest now. As for almost twenty
years I had no such an opportunity. And then I wish to work - and achieve
victories. I think the time will come when I will work with the national
team."
Sport
Express Daily, 22 Dec 2008
|
|
