We’re a bit shocked.
After a poor performance at the 2015 FIVB World Cup where Russia FAILED to finish in the Top 2 and did not qualify for the 2016 Olympics, Coach Alekno has updated his roster for the 2015 European Championship without 2012 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Butko & 2013 European Champion Alexey Spiridonov.
Butko has released a statement via his club team:
“Vladimir Alekno did not explain this decision but he did not have to.
It is clear that he wants to give a chance to Igor Kobzar and I respect that choice. I understand that my performance at the World Cup was not good enough. I had a chance and I did not use it, so Alekno’s decision is absolutely justified. I am very dissatisfied with my performance. I was not able to reach the top form and the injury was not the reason. I even wanted to remove the protection mask after a week, but doctors did not allow that.
I have to analyze my mistakes.”
The Russian Tin-Tin Spiridonov remains quiet on the news and is back Russia to prepare for the club season with Zenit Kazan – who is coached by Alekno.
Yesterday, he posted this pic with club teammate Leon at training.
In case you didn’t know, Coach Alekno and Spiri have had issues in the past.
The outside hitter was removed from the team due to conflict but both parties have patched things up to move forward with their professional and national team duties.
So far Alekno’s roster for the upcoming European Championship – where Russia is the defending champs – consist of:
Setters:
Kovalev
Kobzar
Grankin
Opposite Hitters:
Mikhaylov (might play as outside hitter)
Poletaev
Kruglov
Outside Hitters:
Ilinykh
Sivozhelez
Savin
Klyuka
Middle Blockers:
Muserskiy (might play as opposite)
Volvich
Kurkaev
Vlasov
Liberos:
Obmochaev
Verbov
2 more players will be cut and trim it down to 14.
(images: FIVB)