“I remind the guys that they are the best in the world”: Zueva about the progress of Tarasova and Morozov and their record in the short program of the Czech Republic

- What are your overall impressions of the short program?

- We are moving on the right track. The main goal is to combine the process of acquiring new skills with maintaining the existing base of athletes. Now they can already improve the technical side of riding. New people appeared in the team: my former student Artyom Torgashov works with them on jumps, and professional hockey player Ryan Veske, who played in the NHL and KHL, is engaged in physical training. Ryan understands that the guys need to develop speed and power qualities and tries to focus on it. We analyzed the programs of other couples. The order of the elements, as well as some of the links, was changed so that they were presented without loss of choreography, image.

- It turns out that before the guys lacked physical readiness for error-free skiing?

- You see, a matured couple came to me with prevailing stereotypes and vision. Of course, at first it was not easy for them to work in a new way, with new ligaments. And the atmosphere, unusual for them, also exerted its influence. In such cases, time is always necessary for adaptation. Eugene and Volodya began to ride with new ideas.

- Was it difficult for you to change your mind in a new way? Usually you work more with dancers, but here you have to pair up.

- Of course, for me this was also something new and unusual.

- Were the guys initially disappointed with the not-so-pleasant results?

- Based on many years of experience, I can say that failures, disappointments and failures occur in all athletes. But I was most struck by the reaction of Zhenya and Volodya to what was happening. Realizing that the problem lies in themselves, the guys began to analyze, refine, correct errors. Although, it happens, I myself feel that there is “no pair,” but I haven’t finished it somewhere and am starting to think how to change the situation. And the behavior of the guys cannot but inspire, including me. This is growth based on previous experience, including unsuccessful. And I always remind them that they won the short program at the Olympic Games, which means that, in fact, they are the best couple in the world. That says a lot. And I feel a huge responsibility for the preparation.

- When will Tarasova and Morozov start to show good results after the change of coach? How long will the recovery process take?

- This is not recovery, but growth. Our mistakes are also growth. So this is not perestroika, but development. They gain new knowledge.

- How did Eugene and Vladimir get comfortable in another country?

- According to Nina Moser, the guys are taking shape later than the rest of the couples. Even if we take their performances last year, yes, they occupied high places, but we did not have to talk about perfect skiing. Now they are slowly recovering. I would really like Zhenya and Volodya to ride clean.

- The guys said that a break in the middle of the season could adversely affect them. That is, without official starts it will be difficult to stay in shape.

- Yes, that is right. Now we need to finish these competitions, and then worthy to prove ourselves at demonstrations. And of course, we will wait for invitations.

- Do you mean from the show?

- Yes, this is certainly a wonderful performance skill.

- Have you received any concrete proposals yet?

- At the moment - no, but still ahead. In any case, we definitely have something to work on between the championships of Russia and Europe. After that, much will be clear. Our athletes will not be inactive, they have something to do.

- During the weekly preparation for the tournament, the training was held with Nina Mikhailovna and Maxim Trankov, right?

- Yes exactly. We made a plan for the training process. Every day at least four workouts were conducted.

- Was acclimatization in Krasnoyarsk difficult?

- The quality of the work done is important. When you are ready, you can fly anywhere.