Vladimir Volchek Comments on Ilya Kovalchuk’s Request for His Son in Russian Youth Football
Vladimir Volchek, the head coach of Russia’s youth football squad, recently addressed remarks linked to Ilya Kovalchuk, the former national hockey star, regarding his son. The coach cited insights from Match TV to shed light on the matter. According to Volchek, the son trains using a Brazilian system, a style that could bring fresh approaches to the team from his experiences abroad. He emphasized that the key takeaway was the athlete’s willingness to train with enthusiasm and a long journey already behind him, indicating a smooth integration into the squad.
“The man trains according to the Brazilian system. Maybe he will bring us something new from what he collected there. Most importantly, he came here for the training camp with great pleasure, he has come a long way and is joining the team well,” Volchek remarked. He noted that Kovalchuk insisted on equal treatment for his son, with no concessions made, arguing that the young player should grow primarily through his own development and abilities. The emphasis was on the player’s growth based on his data and performance, rather than special considerations.
Philip Kovalchuk, who operates as a midfielder, was invited to the Russian youth team training camp in September 2023 for the first time. He resides and studies in Brazil, a detail that underscores the cross-continental nature of modern youth football development. This context highlights a broader trend in which young talents gain exposure to different footballing environments before returning to national programs.
A group of 23 players has been selected to prepare for the UEFA Development Tournament, scheduled to take place in Minsk from October 3 to October 8. The tournament will feature teams from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, offering a platform to showcase emerging talent and assess readiness for higher levels of competition.
In related context, Philip Kovalchuk has previously been identified as a standout player by observers and fans, signaling continued interest in his progress within the football community. This public attention, paired with the coaching staff’s focus on consistent development, frames a narrative about the growth paths of young players who balance international training experiences with national team responsibilities. The ongoing dialogue around his training regimen and inclusion in national camps reflects a broader discussion on how young athletes navigate opportunities across borders while maintaining clear expectations from mentors and selectors. [Attribution: Match TV]