Zhamnov and Zubov won't play in WC

[icing101]

Zhamnov changes his mind after conversation with Larionov:


Alexei Zhamnov in an interview to Sovetsky Sport said that he changed his mind and will not play for team Russia at the upcoming World Cup.

-You agreed to play originally. Why did you change your mind?

-I changed my mind right after my conversation with Larionov, when I found out why he was not given the position of General Manager. Apparently Larionov sent his plans for team preparation for the World Cup to the Russian Hockey Federation and described the conditions which would allow him to build a strong National team. The RHF showed no interest and contacted Larionov only after he officially refused to become the GM.

Igor was willing to carry all the responsibilty and said that if we were going to lose he was going to take all the blame. But the Federation did not accept his roster and his candidate for coaching position - Larry Robinson. Perhaps many will disagree with me but I do not see a better candidate. Larionov said that Steblin phoned him and said that the regional leaders of RHF did not support this idea.

-What made you change your mind?

-I think that Igor Larionov should be the general manager of the team. This is the only condition. I am sure many other players have the same feelings.



Sergei Zubov also spoke to Sovetsky Sport and said that he will not play for the team either. The detailed interview will be published in Friday's issue of Sovetsky Sport. This is exactly the opposite of what the President of the Russian Hockey Federation Mr. Steblin told Gazeta.ru two days earlier.

[icing101]

Turmoil continues for Team Russia for World Cup '04

- hockeyfans.ch

After Khabibulin's withdrawal, more players have now withdrawn their participation.

Zinetula Bilyaletdinov is facing a tough task leading his team to the World Cup. After Nikolai Khabibulin decided not to be available for the upcoming World Cup, the coach now has to deal with a couple of more withdrawals.

Both Philadelphia Flyers' players Daniil Markov and Alexei Zhamnov have followed the example of the Stanley Cup winning goaltender.

As was the case with Khabibulin, both Markov and Zhamnov's main problem involve the way the Russian Federation is preparing themselves for the World Cup.

Furthermore, Daniil Markov is to undergo a shoulder operation soon which will take him out for three months. Alex Zhamnov is upset the Russian Federation chose Bilyaletdinov over Igor Larionov.

Russian media further reported that another cancellation is reaching Bilyaletdinov's office on Friday. Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov is said to be withdrawing his participation as well as he is unhappy that he was put on the World Cup squad without being contacted by the Federation first.

The Russian Federation countered by accusing the Russian media of creating turmoil on purpose.

The vacant position of assistant coach on team Russia might be filled by Canadian NHL-legend Larry Robinson. If Robinson would land the job it would mark the end of a remarkable era of hockey.

Who would have thought it would be possible to see a Canadian coach behind the Russian bench when Russia and Canada matched up for the Summit Series back in 1972? If there still is a cold war going on, then this would surely mean the end of it!

[NyQuil]

>>Who would have thought it would be possible to see a Canadian coach behind the Russian bench when Russia and Canada matched up for the Summit Series back in 1972? If there still is a cold war going on, then this would surely mean the end of it!

It certainly would!

The fact that the English have a Swede as the coach of their football team, just goes to show that often the best man for the job isn't necessarily a native of that country. (Scolari in Portugal?)

On the other hand, if Robinson were picked (and at this stage it is unlikely), imagine the tremendous pressure and scrutiny he would be under.

I would not envy his position at all, particularly as I'm not sure how good his Russian skills are.

[Jazz]

NyQuil said:

Larry Robinson.....I would not envy his position at all, particularly as I'm not sure how good his Russian skills are.

Hey NyQuil, I'm sure you are on your honeymoon now.....

Anyways, do you really think that knowing Russian will be necessary when most of the player play in the NHL and thus are pretty familiar with English?