New head coach of HC Lada Dmitriy Tikhon commented on his appointment to the press service of the club.
— The sporting director Pavel Bashkin invited me to work in HC Meshkov Brest, whom we have been working with closely during my activity in the club, but for personal reasons he left Meshkov Brest in October, and the leadership decided that another coach would correspond better to the club’s interests.
Though the results didn’t seem to give reason for our separation. Nevertheless, it happened. Eduard Koksharov took the team after leaving HC Rostov-Don. Moreover, as far as I understand, it was more complicated there. But this is gossip, and I would rather not discuss it. I completely understand, that it happens in big clubs.
— What were you doing from February till June?
— I returned to Grodno. I’ve been away from home for a long time, so my family was happy upon my return. I went to Poland to the closure of the season at the invitation of the president of the club from Biala Podlaska, I shook hands with my wards, who move to extra class. I considered different options of work. But I recieved an invitation from Togliatti, and it turned to be a pleasant surprise. The club is very famous. When I only started my training career, Lada was well-known. It became a champion in 2006-2008, didn’t it?
— Yes, six major titles are on its account, starting from 2002, and it was in 2008, when it won gold last time.
— Then, soon it will be the seventh time!
— It would be good! You have been working in women’s handball just one year at the very start of your coaching career, and it was such a long time ago, almost 20 years ago. Are you afraid to find yourself back here again, even in another country?
— It’s terribly interesting! It feels almost like before my departure to Poland. New challenge, new tasks — it inspires. Moreover, the club is with traditions and a very strong children’s school. And handball is handball. The main thing is the desire and common idea. If girls’ eyes are shining, they will move mountains. What can I say, Russian women’s handball is the history of the world. Even despite the fact, what’s happening in the world, without it anywhere.
— How do you see the handball your new team will play next season?
— The one that will bring points. And it is possible only in a close-knit team, where everyone supports each other and all the members look in one direction. I prefer to discuss and solve complex and controversial issues immediately, I don’t like intrigues and gossip. I count on the support of girls with experience. I’m sure, they understand, what I’m talking about, — said Tikhon.
Photo: HC Meshkov Brest press
