"There is always one goal in Magnitogorsk — to win the Cup"

One of the main deals of the KHL offseason was Vladimir Tkachev's transfer to Metallurg. One of the best strikers in the country, who was rejected by Avangard, signed a two-year contract with Magnitogorsk. The forward joined the team from the start of training camp and is intensively preparing for the new season. In an interview with Izvestia and Sport-Express, Tkachev spoke about the change of club, Andrei Razin's training sessions and expectations from meeting with Avangard in the regular season.

— Were you worried when you were out of work a week before the training camp?

— It's not excitement anymore, it's just not a very nice situation. It's good that I found a club. It didn't take long to choose. I'm glad to be at Metallurg.

— What are the final arguments in favor of choosing Metallurg?

— Hockey style: attacking, fast, technical. I like this kind of game.

— Is the two-year contract your wish or the choice of the club?

— My wish. The club immediately agreed to two years.

— After the story with Avangard, did you reconsider your attitude towards long-term contracts?

— Not that I've reviewed it. I think the league should protect such long contracts.

— How do I do this? What should be changed in the regulations to protect hockey players?

— Honestly, I don't know how this can be done. I have not touched this element. There are good specialists working in the league, and I think they will find a way to protect the players' contracts.

— Andrey Razin told me how he communicated with you at the "Match of the Year". Even then, were you seriously thinking that you would continue your career at Metallurg?

— It was an informal conversation. We just started talking and asked how things were going. No more than that.

— Were you surprised when the coach of another team tried to talk to you about serious topics?

— I wouldn't say that the coach was trying to get me to talk. Everything grew out of communication. It was the "Match of the Year": everyone talked to each other, had fun. We spontaneously came to such a dialogue and had a good conversation. At that time, I still did not think that such a situation could happen with Avangard. And when everything happened, Metallurg came out to me.

— Is it nice to be on the same team with Sergey Tolchinsky again?

— Yes, of course. We played with Seryoga in Omsk. He is a good player who will add to our skills. The main thing is that he succeeds at Metallurg. The coaching staff, the team and the boys will help him with this. We will do everything for this.

— If you recall your situation with Avangard and Tolchinsky's last season at SKA, now you should be angry and motivated to prove what you are capable of, right?

— I would not say that we are particularly motivated. We try to prove it every season. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. This is hockey. Every player enters the new season with the motivation to show their best hockey.

— Immediately after the announcement of the contract with Metallurg, you were compared to Sergey Mozyakin, who joined the club from Atlant in a similar situation. Is it pleasant?

— Of course, it's nice, but I understand that Sergey still needs to be reached and reached. I will do everything for this, give myself completely and show my best hockey.

— Is the preseason with Andrey Razin the most unusual and difficult in your career?

— It's not that heavy. It's just that balloons scare someone. I treat them normally, there is no fear. We have to be patient somewhere: this is a pre-season, a workflow. Be patient, it will be easier later.

— Were your friends teasing you about balloons?

— There were jokes, of course. I will not betray these people. I was ready for anything. I knew I had a good pre-season. I feel my body and will calmly go through the training camp.

— Is Metallurg ready for big things in the new season with the updated squad?

— There is always one goal in Magnitogorsk — to win the Cup. The work cycle is underway now. Most of the guys who have already won the Cup have been retained in the team. They understand how it feels. I think we have a good chance.

— Are you one of those people who wants to prove something, or will the matches with Avangard be just a meeting with former teammates?

"Not to prove it. I spent three years in Omsk. The fans know what kind of player I am. It's wrong to prove it to them. But the head coach will be pleased to prove it. I will go out and play for the team. God forbid, I'll score a goal or give an assist. The main thing is that the team wins. I've already had moments when I've moved from other clubs and tried to prove something. Over time, you realize that the first thing you need to prove is not to someone, but to yourself. As it will be, so it will be. Omsk fans know how I play. They didn't kick me out of the club.

— Did you understand the reaction of Omsk residents to your departure?

— The fans wrote to me, it was not clear to them. But I think the coaching staff understands what they've done. Now the responsibility is on them.