He's been at the top of one of Europe's strongest clubs for 20 years: "Suppose I asked for advice from Shimon Mizrahi" • Believes that the secret of his team's success lies in "always striving to win" • "Moscow, in an interview
And Atotin with the trophy in 2019
Photo:
AFP
CSKA Moscow president Andrei Vatutin is one of the strongest men in the Euroleague and European basketball. Almost 20 years ago, when he was 27, he was appointed a senior member of the Russian club, and for the past 12 years he has served as the club's president and CEO.
At the same time, he is considered one of the dominant decision makers on the Euroleague board.
"We are living in an abnormal period," Vatotin opens the special interview he gave to "Israel Today" ahead of tonight's game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, "The whole world is going through difficult times.
We have had tough seasons in the past, but we have always kept finding solutions and achieving our goals.
This time, unfortunately, there are many factors that are difficult to control. "
One of those cases that Vatutin is talking about is the story of Mike James, who was suspended twice in a few months for misconduct - an exceptional case in itself in the Russian team - and reportedly, was already with a foot and a half out.
Now the president is making order in what happened.
"Conflicts are often inevitable in the life of a sports team, and it's important to be able to resolve them gently to preserve the team's chemistry. So we do not wash the dirty laundry outside, nor say the details. Too many lies have been published, and I'll tell you what you probably already know "There were two cases in the locker room where we thought Mike's behavior was against the club's standards, and as a result he was twice suspended. However, we should all understand that there were two tragedies in the James family that could upset any person. We all made every effort to Solve the problems for the benefit of the group. "
Could the current complicated situation lead to an end to the conflict between the Euroleague and Fiba in favor of European basketball?
"It requires the desire of both sides to find a good solution that suits everyone. True, I'm not sure there is a solution that can fit everyone perfectly. Maybe one window a week for the national teams during the season could be such a decision, but negotiations should be between Euroleague management To FIBA.
"No chance of moving from Final Four to series"
"The last European Championship qualifying campaign can be called disgraceful," Vattotin continues to analyze the sands created by the conflict between the organizations. "The level of play was remarkably low, with many senior teams summoning unrecognized players. 'Windows' in theory allow fans to see their national teams at home , But the teams played without the senior players, and in general, the epidemic denied Fiba even this argument.
"It is clear to everyone that the prestigious national teams can only be seen in the summer, when there is a break in European competitions and the NBA. If the windows are really insisted, there should be only one break in the middle of the season, which will allow at least Euroleague players. .
What do you think about the desire to introduce a fair play model into the Euroleague that will not allow teams to spend more than their revenue?
"The model already exists. According to the rules, clubs are required to withdraw a considerable part of the money from sales and sponsors, and not just the owner's money. However, the Euroleague should not rush to tighten these rules, because it can take out some big teams that are the main value of the league. ".
In the last 25-20 years, all the Euroleague giants have gone through difficult times. Only CSKA remains at the top almost all the years. What is the secret of your stability?
"Professional work in every area of club activity and a winning mentality. Believe me, in Europe and also in Russia, there have always been clubs that have surpassed CSKA in terms of budget and salaries, but few can match us in our quest to win all the time.
Not every player is able to play at a high level under the strongest pressure and bring results as we have. "
On the other hand, you are in the Final Four almost every season, but you missed the championship several times even though you were considered a favorite.
"There are objective and subjective reasons for this. You have to understand that the Final Four format is a kind of lottery. A bad day for one of your senior players, and on the other hand someone who excels at the opponent and that can eliminate your chances. In this method the better team does not always win. You probably remember. Well the Final Four in Milan, where Maccabi won with David Blatt who barely qualified for the top 16, and in the end defeated CSKA and Real, two teams that were good and consistent throughout the season and were considered clear favorites. "
Have you ever tried to change the Euroleague method from Final Four to series?
"There has never been such a vote, and there is no need because the result is known in advance. Such important decisions are made taking into account the opinions of all clubs, and here it is difficult for us to expect majority support. The rest want to have a chance to win the title. "
"Blatt? Didn't train with us just by chance"
The historic rivalry between Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Moscow dates back to the 1970s, when the Iron Curtain still existed in Russia and every victory of the Yellows over the Red Army team aroused national pride.
Attutin is aware of this, but claims - perhaps surprisingly - that for him it is not a great rivalry.
"It is interesting that this historical rivalry is very important for the fans in Tel Aviv, and I know that the special interest in the games against CSKA goes back to the late 70s, to the times when the meeting with us was the main event in Maccabi's calendar," he says.
Neither I nor our fans consider the games against Maccabi to be really special.
"Statistically, the arrival of football giants like Real and Barcelona is more interesting to the fans in Moscow."
In recent years, there have been rumors that Maccabi wanted to play in the VTB league. What was there, and why did it not happen in the end?
"There were talks about it, but I'm not sure Maccabi's management was behind it. Of course it would be interesting if there was another strong club in our tournament, but it would force all teams to increase their budgets - because of the extra long international flight - and agree to a greater load. On schedule. "
Why has David Blatt, who is highly regarded in Russia for his work for the national team, never coached with you?
"It could probably be called a coincidence. We treat David with respect and love. I admit his candidacy has been discussed several times, but you also have to agree that for many years CSKA has been coached by other coaches at a very high level."
How do you manage to stay in a big, stressed club like CSKA for so long?
"Suppose I asked for advice from Shimon Mizrahi," he laughs.
