Not only fires of rowan trees will light up on the 3rd of September, but also the Russian women’s handball season starts. Traditionally, the first match is a fight for the Super Cup. Rostov-Don is against CSKA again! The head coaches of the teams from Moscow and Rostov-on-Don Oleg Kuleshov and Irina Dibirova completed the Handballfast survey before the match, which will start at the Dynamo Moscow volleyball arena on Tuesday at 19:30.
About the Super Cup Importance
— Is it possible to put this title in a row with the champion’s one and The Cup of Russia? Or is it rather a preseason match with a pleasant bonus in a form of a trophy?
Dibirova: the Super Cup is of great importance for us. But it can’t be put in one row with the championship and the Cup of Russia, because these trophies are played out throughout the whole season and preparation involves a lot of games. The Super Cup is just one game, and it’s also the first meeting in the season for us. Anything can happen in such a match, any team can win. However, we are seriously preparing. Each trophy is valuable to us, especially considering that it has been a long time since Rostov-Don brought it home.
Kuleshov: — It’s definitely a trophy that can be placed with other Cups. Moreover, the two strongest teams of the previous season will meet.
About the rivals
— How do you evaluate CSKA? How much has it changed in the off-season, did you manage to watch many summer games?
Dibirova: — CSKA changed compared to the previous year: the coaching staff was renewed, several players left, but the new came. I suppose, they completely replaced those who left the team. But, of course, the team needs time to play well together.
The rivals play at home, and we are preparing very seriously. They have an experienced coaching staff and bright and talented players. There are no illusions that CSKA became weaker.
— Is it possible to say that Rostov-Don has changed in the off-season? Or is it hard to judge when the rival doesn’t hold open control games?
Kuleshov: — The left back Anastasia Shavman joined the team this summer, but Valeria Kirdyasheva left. Generally, the line-up remains the same as last season. It was a year ago when a whole group of players joined Rostov-Don. Now it has a more experienced and well-played team than last season.
About personalities
— Whom could you note particularly in the ranks of the rival? Whom are you most familiar with from the coaching staff ? Maybe, can you recall any stories?
Dibirova: — Both the team and the coaching staff are well-known to us. Everyone knows each other, though I can’t tell particular stories. Well, surprises are possible. CSKA has a very experienced coaching staff, so it will be interesting.
Kuleshov: — We have smooth relations with Irina Dibirova and her coaching staff. We respect, greet each other. But we are namely acquainted. I can’t say we are on friendly terms.
Whom could I point out in Rostov-Don? First of all, it’s a complete squad, which can play in defense and attack, which swiftly changes from defense to attack. In my opinion, the leader is Yaroslava Frolova.
About your team
— Tell us, please, about the condition of your team: what were you focused on in preseason preparation in general and in recent days in particular?
Dibirova: — Our team held a training session and played several matches. We underwent physical preparation and now we payed much attention to the team’s interactions. Of course, there is not enough time for everything, I would like to hold more games before the season starts. All the players are healthy and at full capacity at the moment. We are going to Moscow in a fighting mood.
Kuleshov: — On the one hand, preseason preparation is, clearly, the base of general physical condition. On the other hand, we tried to play together. It is not a secret that we have many new players. Besides, some players didn’t appear on the court constantly last season and now they will play more important roles due to the withdrawal of a number of players. We practiced combinations of players, looked who could be more useful. Generally speaking, we are at the begging of our path.
Photo: the press services of HC CSKA and HC Rostov-Don
