September 13th, 2014

All’s Well That Ends Well…

In an interview released by russiavolley.com, Gamova accepts Ze’s apology and looks forward to still have a friendly chat with him.

“The media made ​​a big fuss out of this story. I answered with humor and was not in a state of resentment or even some negative emotions towards a great coach. I sent the article to the editor a couple of times and I was asked to change the aggressive tone to something gentler.

I respect him very much as a first-class professional. I think that when we meet during a day off, we will find something to chat and well don’t forget about the caipirinha.”

Katya also shares her thoughts on Sokolova’s decision NOT to play at the World Championship.

“It is a pity that Luba cannot be with us at the World Championship. When she was in good shape, it is very difficult to stop her attacks. She is a professional and understands her current physical condition and to how much extent she can help our team. Clearly everyone is waiting for her, but unfortunately it does not always turn out the way we want. So now our workout methods and new play schemes under the games without Luba.

I hope that her absence does not affect the quality of the game of our team, although with her, it would be “more cheerful” in the individual elements, but as I said above – Luba is very professional and she can assess her readiness to participate in the national team.

Click here to read the full interview.

September 8th, 2014

This FIGHT is pretty much over.

After saying that Gamova’s return was all because she was given a LOTS OF MONEY by the Russian Federation, Brazil’s Coach Guimaraes extends an olive branch to finally settle the “misunderstanding”.

Coach ZRG tells globoesporte.com:

“Acho que ela foi extremamente educada na resposta que deu. Foi um daqueles momentos que eu acho que eu perdi a oportunidade de ficar calado. Foi um comentário que fiz na zona mista (local de entrevistas em competições), não foi durante uma entrevista, e alguém com orelha grande ouviu e publicou. Mas é um momento que eu devia ter ficado calado. Ela tem razão, eu até peço desculpas para ela. O que vai acontecer com ela e com a seleção russa não é da minha conta. Então, realmente era um momento que eu tinha que ter ficado calado, mas aconteceu.”

Translation:

“It was one of those moments that I think I missed the opportunity to remain silent. It was a comment I made and someone with big ears heard then published it. But it is was moment that I should have kept my mouth shut. Gamova is right, I have to apologize for it. What will happen to her and the Russian team is none of my business. It was really a moment that I had to have kept quiet, but it happened.”

So there you go folks!

Coach feels sorry for what he said and he has finally realized that anything that Gamova does with the Russian team is totally none of his business.

As of press time, Gamova has not responded to his apology.

(images: FIVB)