Key points of an interview with head coach Andrei Rodionenko yesterday from Allsport http://www.allsportinfo.ru/index.php?id=82853
- Aliya is at about 50 per cent, but she is needed as the backbone of the team. Not to worry, at Europeans she will perform exactly as she needs to.
- She is feeling pain in her ankle, but 'Aliya is somebody who does what is necessary when it is needed'. Injuries are inherent in gymnastics - Aliya has problems, but they are coping well. 'Knowing her character, I can say that everything will be fine.'
- The team needs her on vault, but not on the floor at the moment - to avoid stressing the ankle. She'll go back to the floor when the ankle is better. He praises her floor work as a balance between acrobatics, and artistry.
- Aliya has changed and matured since the Olympics - they trust her. Late last year, Aliya had said that she wanted to retire; she was tired and couldn't do it any more. He explains that she had competed uninterrupted at Europeans, Universiade and Worlds.
She expressed concern about the team for Europeans and Rodionenko says he replied that they would have to try to cope without her. So in January she went off, did her studies and exams at University. Then she came back to the gym. She is thinking not of herself, but of the team. 'We didn't even need to choose a team captain'. Mustafina feels responsible for the team.