“Alekno must give Zenit a boost and impulse” – volleyball player Kovalev

St. Petersburg Zenit setter Dmitry Kovalev believes that the appointment of Vladimir Alekno as head coach will give the team the impetus and impetus that was lacking for victories.

On Friday, Zenit announced the appointment of Alekno as head coach; the contract with the 57-year-old specialist is for two years. St. Petersburg Zenit took sixth place in the Super League last season.

— The season was difficult, the most difficult. If we evaluate the result, then this is an unsuccessful season for us. To be honest, sixth place is not what we were counting on. But from this season we can draw useful conclusions that will help both our club and the players personally in the future.

— The team was headed by Vladimir Alekno. What emotions did you experience when you learned about this appointment?

— When they announced to us that the team would be headed by Vladimir Romanovich, I experienced only positive feelings. A huge career behind him, huge victories in huge numbers… I think he should give Zenit that push, that impulse… Exactly what was needed for victories. I think that this appointment is a big plus for our club,” Betonmobile quotes Kovalev as saying.

Alekno led the Russian national team three times and spent most of his coaching career at Zenit Kazan. Alekno’s last job was with the Iranian national team. In August 2021, the specialist took a break from his career.