Preseason press conference: We expect one hundred percent of Gazprom-Yugra in every match

The traditional pre-season press conference of VC Gazprom-Ugra was held in Surgut, which was attended by two senior coaches, Denis Garkushenko and Alexey Rudakov, captain Milan Katic and libero Alexey Obmochaev. The general manager of the club made a brief introductory speech Vladimir Kondusov, who thanked the Government of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, headed by Governor Natalya Komarova, and PJSC Gazprom, represented by Gazprom Transgaz Surgut LLC and its General Director Oleg Vakhovsky, for their comprehensive support.

The economic situation is difficult right now, we feel it too. But, at the same time, we feel concern and interest from the district authorities and gas workers. You know, that our club, which starts its 21st season in the Super League, started as a factory team. We are flesh and blood residents of Surgut and Ugra, patriots of their land. G, of course, we'll do our best, to adequately represent Gazprom, and Ugra, so that the residents of the region can be proud of us. I invite fans, all sports fans to our home matches with the best teams in the country, I promise a beautiful spectacle and an uncompromising fight on the court.

Denys Harkushenko: “The task is to give one hundred percent”

The pre-season and cup games played showed, that the team looks better from match to match. Do you share this assessment??

Yes, we built our preparations with this in mind, that there will be positive dynamics. At first we didn’t perform very well at the Platonov Memorial, but the team also improved at the home round of the Russian Cup, I think, the fans already liked our game. hope, that we will continue in the same spirit.

How do you evaluate that fact?, that the team did not reach the playoffs of the Russian Cup?

You always want to win, but look at the calendar: basically, not bad at all, that we haven't gone any further. Otherwise it would be very difficult, a lot of games, and chances to go further, frankly speaking, a little considering the level of opponents.

There is high competition in certain positions within the team: Is this good or bad?

Competition has never hurt anyone.
People try to prove, What exactly
they deserve to be in the lineup.

The team has three diagonal: have an understanding, who will play?

The season is long, a lot of traveling, there are also injuries, and minor damage. We have three equal diagonal, who will be better prepared for a particular match, whoever is best suited for the game model with a specific opponent will start.

How clear is the starting lineup at all??

Currently the starting line-up is visible on 70 percent, there will be rotation in two or three positions in any case. The team is half renewed, grinding in progress. Past games showed, that we are gaining momentum and can strengthen ourselves at a specific moment in the game with almost any player from the application.

What are your expectations for the season??

We set a specific task for the team: give one hundred percent in every match, fight for victory. We cannot look into the future, but we will make every effort, to at least get into the playoffs and ultimately show higher results, than last year.

Alexey Rudakov: “The guys can grow to the level of the national team”

Surgut traditionally allows young people to express themselves. There are a lot of young guys in the current squad, what can you say about their prospects?

They have a good future and Surgut can really give them a path to life. Tarasenko, Ionov, Kirillov, Skvortsov, Korotaev – with proper work, everyone has excellent prospects, some may grow to become national team players.

Milan Katic: “Two Serbs are a plus for us too, and for the club"

This is your second season in Russia, this time as captain. Your feelings and expectations from the season?

At first, thanks to the club, that they gave me a chance to represent the team in this status. I'm also glad, that I can already speak Russian normally. Last year we finished the championship in the playoff zone, this will be our goal now. I think, that our team has become a little better. There are new players, young, very talented and, of course, Petar KRSMANOVI?A, who played here for three years. He knows everything, the club knows him - I think, that it will give that quality of play and experience, who will help us.

Two Serbs, two close people will play together far from home - this is a positive moment for you?

Petar and I have been playing abroad for about ten years now..
Sure, if there is such a chance, play together,
this is a big plus for us, and for the club.

Why didn't we see you in the Serbian national team??

In the summer I got sick with corona, I wasn't on set for a month and a half.
Its OK now, and I can focus
at the game for Gazprom-Yugra.

Alexey Obmochaev: "Want, so that they remember me"

What prompted you to appear in Surgut?

Sitting without work, so, when the offer came from Surgut, I agreed without hesitation. We had a wonderful meeting, everything is great, the team is crazy, we work hard.

You are an Olympic champion, you have many other titles. What is the motivation now??

Regalia is already a thing of the past, a professional athlete must demonstrate his skills here and now. We need to show our best performance this season., so that people remember me.

Do you think, that they forgot about you?

I think, Yes.

What can you say about your partner and competitor Nikita Nagayets?

Nikita looks great in training too, and in games. And competition- this is good for the growth of a player of any age, without it the player will only degrade.

It remains to be reminded, that the first match of the Russian championship in PARI Super League "Gazprom-Yugra" will hold 14 October in Tula, our traditional opponent for the debut is Belgorod “Belogorye”.