Interview with Alexander Tarakanov, head coach of the Greco-Roman wrestling team of Azerbaijan, to Idman.biz
- How is the training camp going in Poreč?
- Excellent! There are teams from 25 different countries. We train in three streams, and there is a wide range of sparring options, including leading "classics" and average training athletes. That is, the options for the preparatory procedure are plentiful. Everyone works with a positive attitude, including coaches and athletes. Furthermore, there were some inaccuracies in the races that we are attempting to correct.
- The team had a great performance in Zagreb. Obviously, it was a prestigious tournament. But the main competitions are still ahead. How would you rate the team's performance at this stage?
- You rightly said that this is the beginning and it has its own characteristic. Before that, many of our athletes did not compete in any competition for four months. Therefore, a lot of work has been done. Therefore, the main preparation is not for the Zagreb tournament, but for the European Championship. Then we will take part in the licensing competition with the best of the best. That is why the wrestlers did not undergo individual training before Zagreb.
- Although three-time world champion Eldeniz Azizli joined the team in the meeting, Rafig Huseynov, who is twice the strongest of the World Cup, did not go to Croatia. What is the reason for his absence?
- The point is that Rafig fell ill at the last moment. That's why he stayed at home. He wanted to participate in the tournament and fight. But he could infect his teammates. That's why we made this decision. Rafig is training on an individual program. Huseynov also has opponents for trial matches in Baku.
- The European Championship awaits the team in Romania soon. In April, the fight for Olympic licenses will take place in Baku. How are things going in terms of scheduling and staffing?
- Almost all the leaders will perform at the European Championship. Because then we will have a month before the start of the license tournament. First, it is important to determine the team, then to see how the leaders will fight among themselves, so that a team is formed for the competition to be held in Baku.
- In general, our leaders are obvious. Are there weight classes where wrestlers need to "step up" in terms of stability?
- We are working on it. Take, for example, our training camp in Poreč. Our young athletes train in Baku. After that, they will see the more experienced wrestlers who will return from training abroad on the mat and will benefit from sparring with them. So the business process goes. We are also working on wrestling tactics and some technical tricks that can be used later in tournaments.
Banuchichek Huseynli
Idman.biz
