Irakli Tsirekidze, head coach of Georgian judo team, named staff for World Team Championship which will take place in Brazil on October 27-28. Olympic champion has been preparing the team in Anaklia for two weeks. Tsirekidze talked to “World Sport” about pretournament preparation.
- I took 26 judokas to Anaklia. Here we have all conditions to think only about practice. Gym is in the same hotel where we live. I am very satisfied with the preparation process.
- The team has never held meeting in Anaklia before. Whose idea was it?
- I arrived in Anaklia few days before planning the meeting. First of all, I wanted to bring the team here because of climate. Besides that, I wanted to present something new to boys and we are isolated here. It was an acceptable variant.
- You know domestic situation in team but perhaps, you found out something new now…
- There are some details which I see differently as a head coach. Now I observe more attentively. I am more hopefully now. Now I know we have very strong judokas and I expect more from them.
- Do you have any novelty?
- Not much has changed. I am trying to make healthy atmosphere. I work individually with each sportsman. I think we will carry out this plan successfully with Giorgi Vazagashvili and Lasha Gujejiani.
- Do you have any problem with former teammates and current judokas?
- Fortunately, no.
- It is interesting how will you evaluate attitude of Irakli Tsirekidze as a sportsman in the last years?
- I would have demanded more from him. I had a chance to become world champion again and to win Olympic gold medal. I ask the boys to do their best.
- We know that Anaklia meeting is under way without some experienced judokas…
- Unfortunately, we lack some candidates and we form the team for World Team Championship without them.
- Who do you lack and why?
- Heavyweighter Adam Okruashvili and Zviad Khanjaliashvili. Also, Betkil Shukvani (60kg), Ambako Avaliani (81kg) and Levan Tsiklauri (81kg). They did not participate in Tbilisi practices too. The tournament list will be filled without them but it does not mean that in future they will not have a chance. Georgian Championship is ahead and it will be held in November.
- Many experienced judokas do not want to compete in Georgian Championship. You were among them too. Will you demand from everybody to participate in it?
- Of course, I will. I have already talked to boys about it. We must pay more attention to Georgian Championship. I want to observe all candidates.
- You have not mentioned Amiran Papinashvili (60kg) and Varlam Liparteliani (90kg), who were in the list of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last week…
- Papinashvili asked me to let him participate in the tournament. You know, there is not 60kg at the team championship and I decided not to refuse him. Liparteliani missed only several days of the Anaklia meeting.
- Final stage of European Club Cup will take place in Istanbul on October 20. As we know, Georgian judokas will compete in it with foreign clubs. Is not it contrary to the interests of the team?
- It is good that you asked me about this issue. I wanted to make a comment. Avtandil Chrikishvili (81kg) and Varlam Liparteliani (90kg) will wrestle with foreign clubs. Both wrestle in the name of the Istanbul club and they are at the final stage. I was against and I informed managers of our federation and Ministry of Sports but the Istanbul club threatened to appeal in case of violation of the contract. Unfortunately, justice is on their side in this case but I have already warned all members and candidates of the team that it is the last compromise from me. Chrikishvili and Liparteliani will arrive in Istanbul for two days. As I know, Lasha Shavdatuashvili and Adam Okruashvili are their teammates. Perhaps, Okruashvili will also depart for Turkey. Shavdatuashvili has not started practicing yet.
- When will he join the team?
- He arrived in Anaklia. He cannot practice but we offered him to stay with the team. He could not stay because of rehabilitation period.
- According to the latest information, Georgian Judo Federation has already spent this year’s budget. Kano Jigoro tournament is ahead…
- Besides traditional tournament, joint meeting is held in Japan and I will demand to participate in it. I will meet new minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and inform him. Before Kano Jigoro, we will hold Georgian Championship in November.
- Name the staff for World Team Championship…
- Shalva Kardava (66kg), Nugzar Tatalashvili, Zebeda Rekhviashvili (both 73kg), Avtandil Chrikishvili (81kg), Varlam Liparteliani (90kg) and Levan Matiashvili (+90kg).
Otar Maglakelidze
