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Q & A: Russia coach Oleg Romantsev
Posted: Tuesday April 23, 2002 6:17 PM
What
do you think of the draw?
It is no better and no worse than any other draw. Our group is as
strong as any other, especially since we will be playing Japan,
a host team. However, I consider our first game, against Tunisia,
the most important.
Who
are your key players?
We have a number of experienced players who made our qualification
possible. Yet, if you want to hear names, I would single out Celta's
Alexander Mostovoi, a European-class midfielder, a truly universal
player who is equally good in defense or in attack. He is also one
of the top free-kick experts in Europe.
Who
will be the surprises?
The level of all the participants is very even. Anybody can beat
anybody at this tournament, with the exception of Argentina, who,
as far as I can judge, stand a bit higher than the rest.
Will
the conditions affect you?
We will fly to Japan 12 days before our first game, which will give
us enough time to acclimatize. We are bringing our own cook, Russian
food and our own drinking water. The training base we have chosen
in Shimizu is the best available. It is comfortable and secure.
So I do not think the conditions will be a problem. A lot more will
depend on the players' morale and fitness.
Who
will win the World Cup?
I have already mentioned Argentina. France are also very strong
but they are not impossible to beat.
What
outcome for Russia will suit you?
Qualifying for the next stage -- as our minimum aim. And then we
will try not to leave the tournament for as long as possible. We
cannot plan up to the Final. We have to go step by step, trying
to win every game.
You
will play all your first stage games in Japan and not in Korea.
Does it make any difference?
After Moscow Spartak's visit to Korea we have a good following there.
Otherwise, it does not make much difference. I would have liked
to avoid a host team, of course, because playing the locals is always
very hard.
You
were one of the few coaches who missed the finals draw in Busan.
Why?
There was no need for me to go there. Everybody has his own job.
Our team managers flew to Busan. When we knew the results of the
draw, they went to Japan for a week and took care of all the necessary
arrangements there. They did a good job. For example, we have booked
a very nice training camp ahead of most of the other teams.
How
would you place your team in the hierarchy of the qualifiers?
The class of our players is not as high as that of the world's top
teams. Our chances depend on team play and our ability to raise
squad morale to the highest level before the start of the tournament.
What
are your preferences when you choose between foreign and home-based
players, between old-timers and young newcomers?
Their current form is the only criterion. I understand very well
that for some of the old guard it is the last big international
chance. I value their many years' contribution, but I will not be
blinded by my personal feelings. And another important criterion:
to be selected, a player must be playing regularly for his club.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with our top keeper, Ruslan
Nigmatullin, who is sidelined in Verona.
From World Soccer magazine.
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