Yuri Marichev giving interview
Is the squad for Grand Prix the strongest so far this season?
„I dont think so, but I hope that after Grand Prix we can add some names, and be even stronger. We need more strength, especially in attack and that is something we have to look for in the upcoming tournaments. Our setter, Anna Matienko, played only a bit because she is preparing for Universiade and her substitution Ekaterina Pankova is not yet so strong. Now at GP we will see how team looks with Anna leading them, I hope she will do well because we need her for European Championship. Also I plan to use all 12 players in spite of the result”.
Kosheleva is still not in ideal form, is she going to play in Brazil?
„She isn’t feeling very well. We will give her a break because Tatiana isn’t ready yet for the intensity level needed for the competition. Of course if her condition gets better she will get her chance to play”.
As far as the atmosphere in the team goes, how confident players are?
„You should perhaps check with the girls. In my opinion it can be better but I’m satisfied in general. Training process is quite intense and it includes a lot of physical practice. I understand that there may be a problem for some girls but that is my style and I won’t change it”.
What has changed in training regime?
„Workload is getting lower as we are closer to competition. We try to do less individual practice and more of strategy and tactics”.
After Universiade you gave girls a break?
„Of course. We had very hard working period in Anapa where we played 11 games in just 20 days so rest was really needed. When back from break players are hungry for work and ready to train hard again”.
Are there any methods to accumulate time zone changes?
„Medical staff are doing everything in their power to keep players fresh but it’s not an easy task to do. We will begin with exercise immediately after arrival so that muscles don’t go lazy”.
If you go far into tournament, you will have very little time to rest before European Championship starts, is it going to be a problem?
„It’s very tough for us. If for example we get to final, then we will have only one day to rest before flying to Germany. I would change calendar if it’s up to me, but that is not the case so we have to withstand any troubles and deal with them. For us EC is the main objective and we will try our best to win it ”, Marichev concluded.
Russia is considered a „top dog” and anything but placing top four will be a surprise.
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