Goalkeeper at the beginning of the year Ivan Konovalov He took an unexpected step – he terminated the contract with Rubin and left for Scotland to play for Livingston. True, he was not allowed to show himself right away. Konovalov was in reserve, but at the end of the season he appeared in three matches of the Scottish Premier League – Hibernian, St. Johnstone and St. against Mirren. In two, Ivan played to zero and conceded only one goal in three games.
Konovalov, replacing the Polish Maximilian Strizhek, received praise not only from Livingston fans, but also from the head coach. David Martindale. It was he who made the bold decision to give the goalkeeper a chance from Russia at a time when the attitude towards the Russians in England was getting worse every day. Moreover, Martindale has made it clear that he wants to make Konovalov the main goalkeeper if Strizhek leaves Livingston.
“When Ivan moved here, I decided it would always be playtime. I think Max Strizhek will leave the team in the summer because there is a serious interest in him, so I have to make a decision based on the team’s best interests. Ivan could be a worthy main goalkeeper of the team next season. He played well in both games. He’s not used to the pace of Scottish football yet, but he’s good. I trust him. The more games Ivan plays now, the better he will play next season.” – said a 47-year-old Scottish expert in early May.
We went to Martindale to get detailed information about Ivan’s adaptation and future, his attitude towards Russians in Scotland and football players from Russia.
— How did you learn about Konovalov?
– I knew his agent, Jamal. [Акаевым], recommended me players from Russia. Jamal knew I was looking for a potential main goalkeeper in the 21/22 season who could be brought in in January and ready for the role in the summer. I’ve worked on many different candidates in WyScout and InStat. Ivan had many of the qualities required for a Scottish Premier League goalkeeper.
– How did you know that Ivan was ready to play at the end of the season and did it affect you in the last three games of the season?
– Yes, yes, quite. Konovalov’s early features were in keeping with the Scottish style – here the goalkeepers face much longer shots, crosses. But to fit in, I actually had to work hard.
– If Maximilian Strizhek leaves, should Konovalov be Livingston’s first number? They speak confidently about it.
– Max is still at the club and before he leaves us, he and Ivan will have a very interesting fight for the starting position. Both are strong goalkeepers, quite ready for the first point role. But yes, we have to admit that quite a few clubs are already watching Max in earnest.
– Ivan did not play for a long time, longer was not the first trick. Didn’t that bother you? Was he ready to play for Livingston right away?
– No, Konovalov was very interested in his form. But I never doubted him, I saw his abilities and knew he could use them.
Ivan told me that he needed to improve his English first.
– I am somewhat familiar with Russian culture, so I was expecting how Ivan would arrive in Livingston: his English was already at a good level. Enough to keep a conversation going during training. But week by week the English improved even more. Ivan was helped by Max – he is a Polish, but knows a little Russian and could speak a little with Konovalov. A good connection, our goalkeepers quickly agreed – this connection also contributed to Konovalov’s quick adaptation to it.
– In the last three months, the attitude towards Russians in Europe has changed. Is there any pressure on Konovalov or on you for signing Ivan?
– I do not feel. Ivan’s nationality has never been an issue for me, that’s not a reason for negativity. I look at him not as a Russian, but as a Livingston player. I can’t speak for everyone around, but no one in the club questions Ivan’s position because of the political situation. He is part of our family, our player and nothing more important. I believe the West, or at least Scotland, ##### (Roskomnadzor forbids Russia’s special operation in Ukraine to search for this word, so we can not publish it. – Sport24) ##### Russian people do not perceive – this is politics is a matter of
– Why was Konovalov not useful to Rubin? Is he underestimated?
“I wouldn’t say that. It’s a rich club, they have a lot of money – enough to buy quality players. It’s very difficult to play in Kazan. Here Ivan was given such an opportunity. Scotland is noticeably more modest financially than Russia – football standards are very high This is clearly demonstrated by Rangers’ results in the Europa League. Celtic will definitely play in the Champions League group this season. The level of football in our country is growing year by year.
Livingston has a tight budget, so we have to be resourceful and smart about our choices. The same “Rubin”, “Spartak” are ready to invest in it, so not all Russians manage to play. I hope Ivan will be a good transfer for us.
– How do you see Konovalov’s future? Growing up to the Premier League, to Liverpool, how does he dream?
– It will be difficult. Liverpool are among the top 5 clubs in the world, you have to be among the top 5 goalkeepers in the world to play there. I don’t think Ivan has reached this bar anyway. First, she needs to book her number 1 sweater in Livingston.
What might happen next, you never know. But the Scottish Championship is a really good platform to move to England. I would like to state that the championship is an excellent league, a step forward. If Ivan works hard, shows what he can do from round to round, then he can do a lot.
– Did you talk with Ivan about the possible purchase of someone else from Russia?
– Yes. I like Konovalov, I am interested in coaching players from this football culture. I wouldn’t hesitate to see them in Livingston. The obstacle, as always, can be financial. I was looking for another Russian, but it will be difficult to get him: he is attracting the attention of other RPL clubs. But I do not exclude that I will work with someone from your country. External events will certainly not be a problem here.
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