Gleb Firsov: Lokomotiv-Kuban Targeting the Title
New centre Gleb Firsov says Lokomotiv-Kuban's revamped roster finally has what it takes to challenge for first place this season.
Gleb Firsov says the Krasnodar side are aiming for the title this season.
Firsov said his settling-in period has gone smoothly, with the squad giving him a warm welcome. Asked why Lokomotiv have fallen short of the championship in years when the team looked strong on paper, he pointed to the current group as better equipped for the fight.
Lokomotiv-Kuban, founded in 1946 and based at the 7,000-capacity Basket-Hall, sit third in the Russian Cup with no points after three matches. The club has been reshaping its roster this month, cutting guard Ivan Pynko loose after his trial ended with limited preseason minutes. In the Super Cup, Lokomotiv beat CSKA in their group opener, a performance VTB United League chief Ilona Korstin praised for its pace and depth off the bench.
If Firsov's form matches his ambition, Lokomotiv arrive at the new season with the kind of rotation that has already troubled CSKA once. Whether that translates into a title challenge will show once the league phase, rather than cup fixtures, gets under way.
About this article
Prepared by the editorial team with the help of algorithms, based on the sources listed