“There is no time left for fun”: handball player Kiselev about tight schedule, his removal in the World Cup and the tasks of the national team

- You became the first Russian handball player who was removed at the World Championships. What happened in that episode?

- From the beginning of the tournament, the referees hint that you need to play more carefully. But if I can agree with the first two two-minute penalties, I did not understand the third at all. They said that he just held an opponent for a T-shirt. From the side, perhaps, more visible - it means for the cause. In the next game we will act cleaner.

- It did not seem that the referees treated our team in the first two meetings differently - they helped with the Serbs, but were they too strict with the Koreans?

- I do not think they helped us. Moreover, it does not matter, because with their "help" we tied, and we won without it.

- Removal spoiled your mood?

- No, victory is much more important.

- What other positive points do you note in the game with the united Korea?

- The whole team played very well, denoting from the very first minutes that it is in defense and runs into counterattacks, scoring their light balls. On this wave, we continued to move forward the entire match. And the goalkeepers are well done, much better defended than in the first meeting.

- Did you communicate with Eduard Koksharov after Saturday's match?

- No, I personally did not say anything, but I am sure we will still have time to talk. I think everything is clear: so far I have nothing to rejoice - in the attack, by and large, I did not play, but failed in defense - what should I call it? In addition, he earned three two-minute removal in the short time that was on the site. So far I do not see any positive in my actions.

- Share your thoughts on the remaining three matches in the preliminary stage? Which one will be harder?

- I do not want to guess at the tea leaves and think about other rivals, except the nearest one - now all thoughts are only about playing with the hosts. We saw the German national team in their matches, and in Brazil the Germans literally skated through the rink. They perform at home, and it will be very hard for us. It is difficult to predict the outcome of the confrontation.

- Who is more likely to survive in the "group of death"?

- It is difficult to answer definitely, but the fact that our group is the most unpredictable is a fact.

- Would you prefer a simpler roster, or is the motivation higher in meetings with serious rivals?

- Of course, it is more interesting to play with leading national teams. But to solve the tasks set before us, it would be better to be in another basket during the draw.

- Does the busy group schedule impose additional problems?

- It seems that at the last championship it was the same - two games over the weekend. Yes, and are all in equal conditions. Now a little breath and rest, healed minor injuries. But, of course, there is no time left for any cultural program or entertainment.

- You have already played in Germany. What do you think about the local public?

- In the last match they already felt their “love”, the audience was more than ten thousand. And today will come even more. I agree with the partners, it is also more pleasant for me to play when they are ill against me - it motivates and urges. It's nice that our fans, nevertheless, are heard, they are trying very hard, and it is nice.

- Do you hear and notice something in the heat of the struggle?

- Only at the beginning of the meeting, then the tension and emotions take over.

- Before the tournament, our team was crippled by a series of injuries of leading players. Are there any health problems for those who got into the application?

- Indeed, injuries were enough, and the loss of Pavel Atman was especially offensive. We are satisfied with those who are, and now everyone’s physical condition is good.

- Many injured players are with the team, which is rare for professional sports at the level of teams.

- Yes, Konstantin Igropulo and Sergey Gorbok came to the championship with us, and Pavel Atman must appear at the match with the Germans. The guys support us, and we them. Of course, we miss them on the court, but what to do - we play with those who are healthy.

- The largest representation in the Russian national team - from the Macedonian "Vardar". Teamwork with teammates helps here?

- There are only four of us, but, without doubt, the existence of mutual understanding is only beneficial. We associate with Timur, Daniel and Gleb (Dibirov, Shishkarev and Kalarash. - RT ), both on the site and outside. And the style of the team in some places is similar to the game that we preach in the "Vardar".

- How did the club change for you and move to another country?

- Very calm. The guys helped to adapt both in the training process and in the domestic plan, so I was very comfortable right away.

- What are the differences noted in relation to the players - ranging from fans of this sport and ending with the coaching staff and the leadership of the clubs?

- Handball in Macedonia - the number one sport, it is obvious, there is more than enough popularity there. And in the work - no one is yelling at you, forcing you to do something under the lash. Everyone knows that you are a professional in your field and you are doing everything that is required of you, with full dedication.

- Why do most of the guys leave Russia for the European Championships?

- Everyone has their own reasons. For some, the financial component of the issue is more important, and someone is going to get popular and realize their ambitions. But the main thing, of course, is the possibility of continuous professional development in a stronger league, a transition to a new level, where you will continue to grow.

- That is, the presence of "legionnaires" in the team - this is a positive moment?

- Of course. But we have wonderful guys in the championship of Russia, no wonder they drew the attention of Edward Alexandrovich.

- Nominally, you are the only right welter in the team. Does not the burden of liability?

- I would say that rather, I was the only left-handed at the welterweight position. Alexander Shkurinsky perfectly showed himself the day before yesterday. So there is someone to replace me. But it's a pity that there are no more left-handers.

- Shkurinsky played the full match with the Koreans just because of your removal. Didn’t he complain to you that he couldn’t rest in the second half?

- No, I was not offended ( Smiles ).

- How do you distribute duties in the national team, are there any favorites?

- No, we do everything together, and we take turns on duty - no one is released from this, not even the champions.

- What is the task set for the tournament?

- Primary - to pass the qualifying round. But no one has canceled the medals, so I would like to stay in Germany until the last day. Now we are in third place, let's see what happens next. For me, the minimum program - getting into the top seven. Of course, we think about the future Olympics.

- Meanwhile, the Russian team has not played at the Games since 2008 ...

- If you dream, the title of Olympic champion is what everyone aspires to. But I would not like to run ahead, now our thoughts are here, and we are solving the problem of leaving the group.