Plyushchev: “If Radulov can cope with his complexes, then he will succeed at Lokomotiv”

Former head coach of the Russian national team Vladimir Plyushchev commented on the transfer of striker Alexander Radulov to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, noting that the player must “cope with complexes” in order to benefit the team.

On Thursday, Lokomotiv announced the conclusion of a one-year contract with 37-year-old Radulov.

— I won’t talk about Radulov’s prospects at Lokomotiv; whatever happens, so happens. But in general, Radulov has already worked with Nikitin, they know each other well, so I think they will be able to find a common language. Moreover, as far as I know, Radulov did not have much choice to continue his career in big teams. And Lokomotiv is a top team, so, apparently, they agreed.

Will Radulov strengthen Yaroslavl? Alexander is a master, but, let’s say, with his own complexes. If he manages to cope with them, then everything will be fine, if not, then we’ll see what comes of it,” Legalbet quotes Plyushchev as saying.

Radulov played for Ak Bars Kazan last season. For the team, he played 58 matches in the KHL regular season and scored 40 points (16 goals and 24 assists), and also scored a goal and assisted his teammates three times in four playoff games.

Previously, Radulov played in Russia for CSKA and Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and also played in the NHL for the Nashville Predators, Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars. As a member of the Russian national team he became a two-time world champion.