Cup aftertaste
As planned, performance in the Russian Cup became the most important stage in preparation for the national championship. “Gazprom-Yugra” before the first round and after the second – two different teams in terms of quality of play, dynamics visible to the naked eye. Sure, qualifying for the next round would be the icing on the cake., but, hand on heart - after the match with Belogorye 15 October in the championship we definitely need to play with Belgorod again in three days 1/8 Russian Cup final? So at least the feng shui of concentration at the championship is not broken, and this is our main goal for the season.
Now two words about that, what we saw on the site. The current Gazprom-Yugra now has depth in its roster. Three (!) equal diagonal, who are able to insure each other in various situations: Vyacheslav Rudnev showed in the last matches, what is a full-fledged combat unit. Excellent rotation in the center of the net: even without Petar Krsmanovich Vasily Tarasenko, Kirill Ionov and Dmitry Shevlyakov are capable of closing, if not all, then most questions. The libero position is also not a concern: the most experienced Alexey Obmochaev and Nikita Nagaets combine skill and fighting qualities in the required proportions.
The key roles of setters and finishers raise certain questions. Vadim Ozhiganov is still in the process of establishing a complete understanding with the attackers, and Maxim Kirillov needs time and game practice, to reach a stable high level. This is an understandable and inevitable process, which the same Igor Kobzar played in our club at one time - the team needs to be patient and help the young talent, somewhere to even sacrifice something. Important, so that these sacrifices are minimal and not in vain, and then the setter will repay the favor a hundredfold.
In the final game, Ivan Korotaev certainly confirmed his place in the starting six, also a growing player, has not yet reached its full potential. We need experienced Milan Katic in his optimal condition, which he has not yet collected. But it's nice, that Ildus Urmantsev, it seems, is gradually getting rid of his complex as a major league player and is making himself known more and more loudly. maybe, this season will be a full debut in the Super League for Ivan Skvortsov, but for now this is still in the realm of speculation.
If we take individual elements, then the Surgut residents have noticeably increased their serving potential. And Tarasenko, and Rudnev, and Urmantsev are capable of breaking an opponent’s technique, and Ionov surprised with an interesting power glider. We add it to Shahbanmirzayev's hand, Krasikova, we'll take into account, that Nikita Alekseev has not said his word yet. This "charge" along with reliable reception, which Obmochaev can organize, Nagaets and Katich, allows you to count on stability at the heart of the game (serving/receiving), from which the rest of volleyball builds.
Separately, I would note rejuvenation and, Consequently, prospects of the assembled team. Kirillov, Korotaev, Ionov, Tarasenko, Skvortsov – potential national team players, our future, the development of which in Surgut has always been given special attention.
Upcoming season, of course, will be very difficult for our team. The vast majority of rivals have noticeably strengthened, there are no longer obvious outsiders in the Super League. It means, that we face a fierce fight in every match and preparations for these battles are approaching the final stage. Past matches of the Russian Cup showed, that we are on the right track, and we will walk this path, no matter how difficult it may be, all together - players, trainers, fans.
