“SKA-Energiya” Khabarovsk took the fourth place in Russian First Division and will play against “Rostov” in play-off. “SKA-Energiya” has never played in Russian Premier League and took the fourth place in First Division for the first time.

“World Sport” contacted coach Giorgi Daraselia who has 5 Georgian football players on the team: Otar Martsvaladze, Lasha Salukvadze, Shota Grigalashvili, Giorgi Navalovski and Gocha Khojava.

- How do you evaluate this season and how do you get used to Russian football?

- It was strange environment and strange football style. Besides that, we had to form a new team. Besides 5 Georgians, we had 3-4 new players. We got used to this style.

- You are in the west of Russia and there is 7 hours difference. You fly all time – is not it tough?

- If you are not used to it, it is tough. In case of one match, you are one day and half on the way.

- Evaluate play of five Georgian football players…

- Salukvadze held 10 from 11 matches. I would give 9 from 10 marks to him. Unfortunately, he will not play in play-off because he is injured.

…I did not know Navalovski before coming to Russia but when he came to the team I felt that he was a great player. He is good at left defence and offence too. I think he is good for the national team too.

…Martsvaladze scored 4 goals in 6 matches. All his goals were decisive.

…Grigalashvili did not play often but he was on the list. Because of the injury of Martsvaladze, he was in lineup. He is technical, intelligent football player and distinguished himself well.

…Khojava has a good playing manner. He held good matches too.

…Only 3 legionaries can play together in Russian First Division. That is why Grigalashvili did not play often but there is no limit in play-off.

- Do fans come to home matches?

- We lost the first match and 4000-5000 spectators came to the second match. When we started winning the matches, 7000 spectators came and in the end there were 9000 spectators on the tribune. We expect 15000 spectators against “Rostov” in play-off.

- So may Georgians on the team – are fans angry?

- At first they began to doubt but when we showed result, then they were proud of us. The whole Khabarovsk and the region support us. All of them want us to move up in Premier League and they do everything for that. I am only grateful to them.

- If you move up in Premier League, will you strengthen the team?

- We will add 3-4 football players. If we do not move up in Premier League, we will need to strengthen the team in First Division too.

- You worked successfully for “Dila” Gori. The team won all matches, expect 2. Why did you leave “Dila”? Do you have better financial conditions in Russia?

- It is not about money… there is not a big difference in salary. My friend (Mamuka Jugeli – author) took me to “Dila” and then, he asked me to go to “SKA-Energiya”. I could have stayed in Gori but I agreed on the request of my friend.

- Perhaps, you are interested in news of “Dila”…

- Of course. After four rounds, the team had 1 point and was in the last place. I saw good potential, good football players and the work of coaches. We gained so many points in 18 rounds that we were in the second place and “Dinamo” Tbilisi was only 3 points ahead of us. I am also interested in news of other Georgian teams. I want to wish good luck to “Dinamo”, “Dila”, “Torpedo” and “Chikhura” at European tournaments.

- Did not you have offer from Israel?

- I have offers almost every day but now I am in “SKA-Energiya” and I only think about this team. My family is in Israel.

Ilia Nanobashvili