Russia coach Vladimir Alekno (left) and assistant Sergio Busato celebrate after their players claim the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup 2011
Russia finished fourth at the continental tournament but won the World Cup, and with it a spot at the London 2012 Olympic Games, as wildcards in Japan on December 4. They also held off Brazil in the finals of the World League in Gdansk, Poland to clinch their second crown in the competition.
“The most important goal – qualifying for the Olympic Games – has been achieved,” Alekno, who has been coach for five years, said in a recent interview with the Russian Volleyball Federation website.
Now he believes that his team have every chance of claiming gold in London later this year, adding to the three gold medals won by the former Soviet Union in Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968 and Moscow 1980.
They have all the data in order to win a gold medal. The only question is whether they will go the route known to victory as it was in Gdansk and Japan,” he added.
Alekno also took the time to explain his move to take veteran player Roman Yakovlev to the World Cup as part of his backroom staff, saying that his attitude helped calm the players.
Roman helped to maintain a good atmosphere during the entire, long and very difficult tournament,” the 45-year old added.
“He has a very specific sense of humor. In a word, a phrase can relieve tension, which after all is not lacking during the two weeks. Besides, I asked whether he wanted to be in the frame, and he said very much.”
