LTA Agency client and Zvezda-2005 (Russia) head coach Shek Borkowski has won 2 league titles and 2 cup titles in America with FC Indiana. His teams defeated World Cup participants Australia and New Zealand, beat WPS Chicago Red Stars and narrowly lost by a late own goal to the WPS inaugural champions Sky Blue FC. The teams coached by Borkowski have so far never lost by more than one goal. He has coached 28 internationals from 19 countries. He gave this interview to lta-agency.com on the eve of the new 2010 season.
LTA: You have been successful in America, why move to Russia? Why now?
SB: I need to improve as a coach and that can only come from operating outside of my comfort zone. I have coached the same club for 6 years, and it was time for a change and a new challenge. The league where FC Indiana competes is going through changes, and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to take it. As all coaches I want to coach against the best, I want to challenge my players and myself.
LTA: What are your goals in Russia and what do you want to achieve as a coach in general?
SB: Short term I want to win the Russian League and the Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Champions
League. Ultimately, I want to coach in the Women’s World Cup and win it.
LTA: Those are very ambitious goals, are they realistic?
SB: With commitment and hard work anything is possible. Specifically in Russia, the talent is here. What is missing is the focus and the approach. When I take on a task, I do it to the best of my ability and aim as high as possible. If I didn’t dream about winning the World Cup or that goal was unattainable for me, I would not coach. Winning it all in women’s football is what drives me to go across the world to coach.
LTA: Can you achieve your goals at Zvezda?
SB: Why not? In Stanislav Kharitonov I have an opportunity to work with one of the best football executives in Europe. He has a good vision, wants to win and be the best, and takes care of the finer details. He is one of the reasons I am in Russia.
LTA: Your thoughts on Russia’s performance in the Euro 2009 in Finland?
SB: They underperformed because they lacked experience at this level and conceded very poor goals. Take for example all three goals conceded against England. Very poor from Russia’s perspective. But there is great latent potential. Russia really is at a very unique point in time as far as women’s football goes. The next three years can really help them arrive internationally. Four years ago Russia won the U19 Euros. That generation of players will be reaching footballing maturity in 3-4 years time, and they represent Russia’s best chance for international success. And make no mistake, they have the quality necessary to compete against Germany and USA, no doubt in my mind.
LTA: What are your thoughts about women’s football in Europe?
SB: The level is excellent. Clearly, Germany is at the forefront of development of the game and has excellent women’s football infrastructure and environment. Having said that, I believe that Russia right now has a very unique opportunity to gain ground on both Germany and USA.
LTA: Some would say that before catching up to Germany and USA, Russia needs to catch up to Sweden, don’t you think?
SB: No, Sweden have reached their peak both in terms of their national team and Damallsvenskan, and I think you will see countries such as Russia, France, Holland, England pass them by. The opportunity is certainly there.
LTA: You have coached 28 internationals from 19 countries, does anyone stand out?
SB: No, all players have unique character traits and footballing abilities, and I treat them all equally. I ask for excellence and commitment in every training session and match, and when they deliver, we get along fine.
LTA: The biggest difference in coaching in America and in Europe?
SB: [pause] There is no promotion/relegation in America so there is very little pressure. You can lose and there are minimal consequences for clubs. In Europe top clubs can’t afford to drop points, quality, and consistency is required for success.
LTA: You have some critics in America who say that you can be difficult.
SB: [Laughs] Who said I am difficult? Probably owners and coaches of teams I beat. My wife thinks I am nice. All joking aside, too many people confuse charisma with quality. As a coach I have to recognize qualities in players and have to have my tactics right in every match. Coaches do not have to be liked. They have to be respected but not liked, especially by opponents [laughs]. Respect comes from quality training, discipline, and winning. I interact or socialize with players very little off the field. Coaching is a results oriented business, and I don’t get paid for being a pen pal. I get paid for results; that’s why I am here in Russia.
LTA: As a coach, do you get the best out of all your players and what can Zvezda players expect?
SB: Without a doubt. I will get them to perform at a level they didn’t think it was possible for them to perform. All Zvezda players who will be in my top 11 will be good enough to be in Russia’s top 11.
LTA: You went out of the UEFA Champions League on goal difference. That must have been a disappointment for the club and for you?
SB: Yes, but from day one our focus was on 2010 after I had a chance to bring in my players, staff, methods, and philosophy.
LTA: Thank you for your time and good luck in the new season in Russia!
SB: Thank you. I can’t wait to start our pre-season next month.
In the game vs FC Barcelona she had an assist on the first goal by Lara before floating a beautiful left-footed half-volley over the hosts’ keeper to make the score 2:0.
