Vyacheslav Bykov: Attempts to play attractive hockey played trick on us

Vyacheslav Bykov, the head coach of the Russian national team, has explained the team’s defeat by Germany (0:2) in the opening match of the 2011World Cup. He also stated that the team must show their eagerness and said that he used no obscene language in a locker room.

«We played unimpressively. Some outbursts have appeared from time to time, but nothing more. However, we have created really few chances in attack, even having such a group of attacking players. Youngsters played as we had expected them to. Tarasenko was quite good. Anyway, our academicism smoothed out all our sharpness. Apparently we were too self-confident.

We’ve had about eight or more people who could not play. I do not ask for excuses. But one of the reasons of the defeat was our attempt to play attractive hockey and hone the understanding between players. It has played a trick on us. We need to move away from the beauty and score the hard-worked goals. Our top players are renowned for their ability to do it. Now we will roll up our sleeves and work hard.»

«The team has lost to Germany for the first time in the history of the World Championships. Can you describe the match in one or two words? Shame? Lack of team chemistry?»

«Let’s call it a misunderstanding.»

«Is there a guarantee that it will not happen again with Slovenia?»

«Go to any bank, give them a million dollars, and then ask about guarantees. They’ll promise you 10% per year. Who guarantee you anything? Only God can do it.»

«Can you imagine what is going on in Russia? How do people perceive this defeat?»

«Players may find out a lot of new about themselves. Yes, they would come across some justifiable criticism, if some of them would like to read the papers. We don’t won’t to forbid unpleasant opinions. You just need to evaluate the situation correctly, as it is. If someone stops playing after being criticized – he’s a weakling. Such people shouldn’t be in the team. Keep on doing your job, that’s all you need.»

«What did you say to the guys in the locker room? Some obscene words, maybe?»

«Well, what for? I never resort to such rudeness. Firstly, it is indecent. Secondly, they can’t do anything good, when it hurts and you keep pushing... So there were no obscenities. It is important to find other words the guys would understand», said Bykov as quoted by Sovetsky Sport.