Mikhail Kravets: We Want To Change Kunlun’s Image In The KHL

10 August 2024

Another feature about the Dragons from the official KHL website. This time, an interview with our new head coach Mikhail Kravets, written up by Sport Express journalist Mikhail Skryl.

In an interview with KHL.ru, Red Star’s new boss talking about how he joined the club, his relationship with imports and how he built the coaching staff.

“I’m still aiming for the highest targets.”

— How did the talks about the Kunlun job go?
— I have a good relationship with the club management. They already made me an offer last season. This summer, they asked me again and I agreed almost immediately.

— After leaving one job, many coaches take a break but you came back to work right away.
— I’ve not been working in the KHL for so long that I can take a break. For coaches, just like players, your career comes to an end some day. I want to keep working, to do something else, to change things. I’m still aiming for the highest targets, studying hockey, following programs. As a journalist, you want to write; as a coach, I want to coach.

— What new things are you learning about hockey?
— Every year it all changes. Hockey is getting faster, it’s introducing new technologies which help us understand different situations. You can always correct the things that didn’t work out last year. Naturally, I watch games in the NHL, I visit coaching sites, read about different tactics and interactions with the team. I’ve discovered lots of interesting ideas, both from more experienced coaches and from newcomers.

— In 2017/2018 you worked with KRS Heilongjiang in the VHL. Has the KRS organization changed much since then?
— Of course. There’s a stronger group of players here. The team is playing in Moscow Region, they’ve created a good set-up for everyone. The arena, accommodation, the relationship with the management – all this is excellent. In the VHL, the club had a small budget, plus we were playing in Harbin, which is very cold. Of course, it’s great here. Kunlun Red Star is playing its ninth season in the league and the team’s level is improving.

— Are you happy with the recruitment in the off season?
— We’ve had good recruitment. We brought in lots of guys with experience of the AHL and the NHL. Adam Clendenning played at a World Championship. Many of the new guys played in Europe and already know each other, that’s really important. Our video coach made clips of each player…