Alexander Koksharov, the son of Olympic handball champion Eduard Koksharov, broke into Russian football only recently. The striker made his debut for Krasnodar last year at the age of 17, and this season he surprised everyone by scoring a double against Spartak Moscow in the Russian Cup. A Sport correspondent met with the football player at a training camp of the Russian youth team and talked to him about comparisons with Holland, the tour of Brazil and the role of his father in his development as a professional athlete.
«I like it Haaland's style, now he is the best footballer in the world»
— Are you satisfied with the result of the first match at the training camp against the youth team of Belarus (3:1 in favor of the Russians — editor's note)?
“It’s great that we managed to win, but I was more pleased with the team’s performance itself.” We dominated almost the entire match, only at the end we gave our opponents several chances. I enjoyed our team’s performance on the field. I won’t hide it, as a striker, it’s nice for me to score a double, but these goals are the result of the team’s work. In the first goal, Igor Dmitriev made a great cross, in the second there was a great interception and then a perfect pass from Dima Kuchugura. Scoring such goals is exactly the job of a forward. Well, the third goal is already my gratitude to Dima for his assist.
— To take revenge for the summer defeat with a score of 1: 5 was important?
— Of course, it’s unpleasant to lose, especially with such a large score. Therefore, the coaches did not even need to prepare us for this match. I would also like to note the cool atmosphere. Ten thousand spectators came to the game. They rooted for their own, but were absolutely correct towards us. After the match, many stayed and came up to take pictures. So only the most pleasant emotions will remain about Gomel.
— Does Krasnodar’s leadership in the RPL give you energy?
— Pleasant, that we are going first, but I don’t need additional motivation. If I'm on the field, I always give myself completely to the game.
— In “Krasnodar” you have the nickname “Holand”. In the “youth team” they call it the same?
— Yes, but a little less often.
— How do you feel about this?
—If they don’t overdo it and speak in a humorous manner, then there is nothing wrong with it. But if they constantly called me that, I would have a negative attitude.
— There is a story of Denis Davydov, to whom the nickname stuck «Spartak Messi». Aren't you afraid that a similar situation might happen to you?
— Still, the situation there was a little different. Denis was once called that in the media, referring to the quality of his play. This immediately turned into a meme. They called me that back in the academy because of my similar hairstyle. As soon as it sticks, it comes off, no big deal (smiles). Even if this happens, there will be an additional incentive to prove to everyone that I am Koksharov and not Holland.
—What do you think of Erling himself?
< br>— A very strong and good football player. I think that Haaland should have received the Ballon d'Or. He is the best footballer in the world at the moment. I often watch Manchester City matches in the Champions League. I like Erling's playing style, I try to act in a similar manner. I will also highlight Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
— Who is your idol in football?
— Cristiano Ronaldo.
— Why did you choose him and not Messi?
— I like his mentality, how he treats little things. I think that they decide a lot in sports. I am close to the approach when a person makes himself and tries to become better in everything.
“We traveled to Brazil for almost two days, there is constant movement there”< br>— At the last training camp, the youth team went on a tour of Brazil. What impressions did you have from that trip?
— Only positive things, everything went great. Unfortunately, we didn't win all the matches, but we played well enough and never lost. The attitude towards us was good, the people were very hospitable. I didn’t even think that I would one day play in Brazil. I only remember that during the 2014 World Cup I wanted to be there (smiles).
— Did you communicate with any of the South Americans from Krasnodar before the tour?
—I asked Alonso how difficult it is to travel back and forth. Junior replied that it was hard, but nothing to worry about.
— He just recently said that it took about 35 hours to get to Paraguay.
— If we take the route from Krasnodar to Brazil, then we traveled about the same amount of time. One train to Moscow takes ten hours. We were on the road for almost two days.
— How do you like the level of young Brazilian football players?
— It was striking that they have very technical skills players in any position: it doesn’t matter if it’s a defender or a striker. Everyone goes to the dribble. It was very interesting to play with them, it was an unusual experience.
— What can you say about Brazil as a country?
—The infrastructure there is completely different. The houses stand on top of each other, there is always such a street vibe, movement. Everything is different, no similarities with Krasnodar. Due to the high crime rate we did not leave the hotel, but there were no problems. We got to all the places by bus.
— Did you see the favelas?
— We should have passed them, but apparently either didn’t pay attention , or slept (laughs).
— Is football something special for the local population?
— Yes, one hundred percent. The fields in the courtyards are of poor quality, but there are always a lot of people there. One day we were driving towards the ocean, there was a heavy downpour outside the window. We look: everyone is playing football on the beach.
—Did you manage to go somewhere else?
— We were only at the Santos Museum. We were shown the stadium, the locker room, and saw Pele's locker. When they told us about him, I was inspired by the story. Realized that here he scored his thousandth goal. This is very energizing.
— Would you like to repeat such a tour, but in another country? Perhaps it will be possible to go to Argentina — our women's teams have already played there.
— Yes, I saw their matches, I I thought it was interesting. If they told me that you would go to Argentina to play against their national team, it would be great!
Do you prefer Brazil or Argentina?
>—Russia is closer to me (laughs).
“A double against Spartak? I didn’t do anything supernatural.”
— Your father is an Olympic champion in handball. How does he participate in the development of you as a professional athlete?
— He is aware of everything that I do, he constantly tells me prompts. I trust him completely, he has a lot of experience. I am glad that I have the opportunity to consult with a loved one who has achieved a lot in sports.
— Did you have the opportunity to choose handball instead of football?
— As a child, I did both at the same time, but then I chose football. He was more impressive. I think dad wasn’t upset about my choice, especially if I ask him about it now (smiles).
— Do you discuss games with him?
— I consult with him more about my physical and mental state.
— What did he tell you after the double against Spartak in the Russian Cup?
— There were no special words. He just congratulated me and said that I was great. I was pleased to score two goals, but I understand that this is just one match, I didn’t do anything extraordinary. To become a good football player, you need to improve your skills and maintain a high standard.
— What goal do you set for yourself for this season?
—Becoming better and better with every match and training. There is room to grow plus many more things to work on. I want to become a good football player.
— What are you dreaming about at the moment?
— I really want to play in the Champions League, hear the anthem. I would like to do this with Krasnodar.
— Would you like to play in Europe?
— Now I’m not thinking about it, I’m concentrated at Krasnodar. I’m only at the very beginning of my journey, I still need to form myself and then make decisions.