We won’t rest on laurels

Speaking with the journalists after returning from Germany, coach Vasily Spiridonov admitted that the team would be difficult to switch to domestic championship after a victorious performance at the Continental Cup.

"Of course, it would be difficult to switch to the championship of Belarus. I had thought about doing a training immediately after our arrive in Grodno, but the team said "no, let us rest. So we have one day of rest, and the 16th we will play with Yunost Minsk"

Now no one thinks to be the best team in the country?

- Well, what do you think? We won the European title and will rest on laurels? We have challenges waiting for us, and we will face them

- Next September the Champions League will start and Neman will be in. Do you think about it?

- No.

- And what do you think?

- Good question. I think that we should think how to make a good campaign there!

- After the semi-finals in France, you complained about the poor organization of the tournament.What do you say after the final?

- It was heaven and earth. Everything was impeccably prepared in the arena! No questions or complaints.

- If you compare the arena, between that of a team of the second division and that of Neman?

- Our best arena in no way is inferior. But when you consider that this is a small town, not the capital, is even more to be admired. I repeat, I have no complaints.

- It seemed that the finals were easier than semifinals.

- The question is not which part of the tournament was easier, better or worse ... What matters is how you prepare for the tournament. I believe that we were better prepared. Our opponente in Bremerhaven were not that weak, just at the moment we were stronger. If you take their tactical abilities, skill, we certainly concede. But as for the "physics", functional training, character, we made a good impression

- Now your main priority is the championship?

- You know, I took the team on the way. I don't know the problems in the team before my arrival .If we have time now to replenish the Belarusian players, then anything is possible.

- Need defenders?

- Yes I need !

- The team this season has twice appeared on peak form - to the semi-finals and final of the Continental Cup.This means that we have to wait the peak for the playoffs?

- Of course, definitely.It will be difficult. Naturally, they are some points where I perceived hostility, but I urge them: guys, after what just happened, it is worth to play hockey and win? I think this is the best for the athletes, that you're doing the right and proper thing.

- You have had a long bus trip. Can anyone play on Friday or give someone a break?

- You know, it does not matter - 500 kilometers or 1200, it is already on the bus. The club acquired a new comfortable bus, in this respect, it was easier. And so, spend so much time on the road - it's hard. When are you going all day by bus, arms or legs do not feel heavy. Therefore, I have all the time necessary to prepare the guys and make them work.

- Matches were difficult, both physically and psychologically. All to be able to go on the ice?

- We have a doctor that is a magician.We have the injured guys, Osipov played with fever and Kovrakh didn't play any game. And a number of players is tired, but the magic of the doctor allowed to bring up players as soon as possible.We have no serious injuries, I think everything will be in order.

- Say a few words to the fans.

- You know, I'm so grateful to the fans!You should have seen us as they met in Germany, as they are cheering for us - a whole sector! I do not know how they travelled to Germany.And when we came out after the second game, they lifted me up and they started to swing! Feelings are overwhelming, we are very grateful to the fans.

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