Baltika Coach Andrey Talalaev Regrets His Son's Football Career

The main coach of Baltika Kaliningrad, Andrey Talalaev, expressed regret regarding his son, Andrey Talalaev Jr.'s football career. In an interview, Talalaev talked about his son's experience while training with his team.

"I remember, he was at training camp with Volga with us. When training camp ended, he approached me and asked, 'Where do you think my level is?' By then, I had already raised the bar. I said, 'Your level is somewhere between the First League and maybe the last teams in the RPL. If you work like this.' He asked, 'Does that mean I have to work like those of you who train with Sergio?'

Talalaev also said that of the 27 people who trained, only 16 managed to survive, while the others were unable to follow the strict training. His son then asked about potential earnings in football, and Talalaev gave specific figures. His son replied, "You know, maybe I can make more with my brain than at football."

Talalaev admitted that he was sorry because he felt he had "cut the wings" of his son's career with that statement, because he then saw many football players who also did not have enough physical qualities, but were able to succeed thanks to their effort and understanding. Talalaev Jr. finished his career as a player in 2018 at the age of 25 and currently serves as assistant coach at Baltika.