BERDIYEV UNDERSTOOD ME
- You once said: “I would like to become for Rubin what Totti became for Roma or Gerrard for Liverpool.” Why didn’t this happen and you left Kazan?
It's a difficult question. First of all, I want to say that I am grateful to Rubin for all the 10 years I played there, but I need to move on, so I decided to leave the team and go to Zenit.
- When in last time Have you talked to Kurban Berdyev?
Before leaving for Zenit, I came to him for advice. He said he understood me, wished me luck, said he would keep an eye on me.
- Spartak was also interested in you. Why did you choose Zenit?
There was real interest only from Zenit, so we decided to take this step. Zenit has been interested in me for many years, this is for real big club, and I wanted to try my hand here.
- If identical proposals had come from Spartak and Zenit at the same time, what would they have done?
I would still choose Zenit.
- Why?
I think he's better suited for me.
- Why did the transfer take until the end of the window? Because of this, you were not included in the Europa League squad.
The negotiations were conducted by my representatives, so this question is more likely for them. I can only say that I learned about the offer only a couple of days before the transfer, in February, when I was at a training camp with Rubin. Everything happened very quickly.
Elmir NABIULLIN. Photo Vyacheslav EVDOKIMOV, FC Zenit
KNEW MANY AT ZENIT BEFORE
- It is believed that you were bought to replace Criscito. Have you discussed this topic with the management of Zenit?
The Zenit management only said that in the future they see me as the main left-back.
- Which of the Zenit old-timers did you communicate with the most over the past week?
Ozdoev and I communicate a lot with Kuzyaev, Zhirkov, Kokorin... I knew many of them before, and because of this I easily adapt to the team. I inquired from them about housing, asked where it was best to get one.
- And where?
The guys recommend Petrogradka, Krestovsky Island.
- At Rubin, Ryzhikov and Gekdeniz made comments to you because you addressed them as “you”. At Zenit, are you even on first terms with everyone?
Yes, this happened at first at Rubin. These are experienced, adult players, so at first I addressed them only as “you”. At Zenit the situation is freer - everyone is on friendly terms.
- Even with Zhirkov and Ivanovich?
Even with them. They suggest and help.
- You already played at the St. Petersburg stadium in July last year. How do you like the arena?
I'm impressed by how many fans come to the stadium and support the team. There are a lot of people in the stands, almost every match the stadium is full, it’s very cool. Zenit has very good support.
- Especially in comparison with Kazan.
Rubin also had high attendance when the Kazan Arena first opened. True, there have been few viewers lately, and this is very disappointing.
BROTHER WOULD BE PROUD OF ME
- On the Zenit website, in the news about you, on the first line it says: “The Zenit newcomer was brought into football by his older brother Adele.” Tell us a little about him.
As a child, I often played football in the yard; there was a box near the house, and we kicked the ball around in the snow. My brother also took me with him, even brought me to sports club"Rocket" where myself practiced judo. But I'm in football section I didn't like it, so I left there. Although I continued to play at school, and one day at a competition between classes, coach Renat Rashidovich Ibragimov noticed me and invited me to join Youth Sports School-14. Then he asked his parents for permission, and they agreed to send me to football. Although I was often sick as a child, I always had a cold, so my parents were afraid to let me go. But it’s good that they gave it away - everything went away.
- How did it happen that your brother died? What happened?
On the street there was an ordinary conflict with a certain man, and at one moment he turned sharply and stabbed Adel directly in the heart with a knife. If my brother had seen the knife, he would have jumped back in advance, but he did not even imagine that everything would turn out this way.
- Have you found the killer?
Yes, he is sitting now.
- If your brother were alive now, would he compete for the Russian national team?
He would have succeeded with judo. I think he's very happy for me.
BEST LEFT-BACKS: MARCELO, MILNER AND ZHIRKOV
- Rinat Bilyaletdinov compared you with Bale. Do you agree with this comparison?
I started playing as a wing forward, but at some point I was transferred to defense. Bale also used to be a defender and liked to join attacks. I think yes, we are somewhat similar.
- Bale was transferred from defense to attack during his career. Maybe you should be moved too?
If the coach puts it on the attack, I won’t mind. But the coach knows better where it’s best to use me.
- Name three the best football players peace in its position.
The first is Marcelo from Real Madrid. Then Milner from Liverpool - I like that he plays both in midfield and on the defensive flank. Let Zhirkov be the third. I remember him playing Euro -2008 at left back position.
- You told how you ended up in the football section. What about Rubin?
For several years, coach Gennady Orlov, born in 1995, called me to Rubin.
- It's a good name.
Yes, the namesake of the Zenit commentator. For several years he called me, but my parents and I thought that we were not yet ready to move to Rubin. And one day he said that he wouldn’t run after me anymore. At that moment, something clicked for us, and we decided it was time.
Elmir NABIULLIN. Photo by Daria ISAEVA, "SE"
I BOUGHT A COUNTRY HOUSE AND AN SUV FOR MY PARENTS
- Do you consult your parents on everything?
Yes. Their opinion is very important to me.
- Hulk bought his parents a house with his first salary. What about you?
I bought a big cake and gave all the money to my parents. I still do this now. If they need something but cannot afford it, I will always help.
- What is your most valuable gift to parents?
I built them a country house and bought my father an SUV.
- Do your parents still manage your finances?
I would say so, yes. But if I need any amount, I can get it without any problems.
- Let's go back to Rubin. Under Berdyev five years ago there was no chance of breaking into the first team?
It was difficult. There were no young people playing at the base, although the coach involved me in friendly games.
- When Bilyaletdinov arrived, they assumed that you would now end up in starting lineup?
I knew that he loved working with young people. There were thoughts that I should get a chance. And so it happened.
- Before your debut in the match against Anzhi, you said that you sweated ten times. Will you be the same worried before your debut for Zenit?
- (Laughs) I’ll worry less, of course, because I’ve already played in the Russian Championship, but I’ll definitely be nervous.
- Name the three most memorable matches for Rubin.
The match with Liverpool away, when we played 1:1. The game with CSKA in the summer of 2014, when we won 2:1, and Karadeniz scored on last minutes. And the match with Zenit in the spring of 2015, when I scored the first goal in the championship.
Ilya KUTEPOV and Elmir NABIULLIN. Photo by Daria ISAEVA, "SE"
A YEAR AGO ME INTERESTED IN "SAINT-ETIENNE"
- In December 2015, Western and our media reported about Southampton’s interest in you. What do you know about this?
I saw the news in the press, but I didn’t hear about the specifics, this information did not reach me. I know that a year ago Saint-Etienne was interested in me, my agent Thomas Zorn spoke about it.
- If you received an offer, would you transfer?
I would think so. Europe is also a big step. My goal is to play in Europe.
- Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vitaly Mutko used you as an example a couple of years ago when he spoke about the fruits of the limit. Do you yourself think that the limit on foreign players has helped you progress?
There really is help. The limit helps Russian players get gaming practice.
- How do you feel about the idea of introducing a salary cap for young football players?
This will be useful for young players. Although it all depends on the character. Someone may forget about football if they give him a big salary, but someone takes it as normal and continues to work.
Daler KUZYAEV. Photo by Daria ISAEVA, "SE"
EXAMPLE - KUZYAEV
- A year and a half ago you starred in documentary film. Did you feel like a star?
- (Smiles) No. I was asked to appear, captured on camera daily life, training, nothing special. I didn't feel like I was a star.
- And after moving to Zenit?
Not either. It's just nice that such an offer came. It was difficult to refuse him; not everyone does this. This is a big step for me, I would not forgive myself if I refused.
- Were you not confused by the examples of Bukharov, Ryazantsev, Dominguez, Ansaldi, who moved from Rubin to Zenit and did not play here?
No, they didn't shoot down. For me, an example is Daler Kuzyaev. Everything works out for him at Zenit, and I think everything will work out for me too.
- Do you have a goal for the next six months?
My goal is to get into the Russian national team, and I want to do this through Zenit. Including getting to the World Cup.
- When was the last time you talked to Stanislav Cherchesov?
In the fall, at the end of the training camp, he called me into his office. Then he told me that I needed to grow up, gain more confidence, so that I would mature.
- Have you heard that you were allegedly included in the list of potential participants in the 2018 World Cup compiled by Stanislav Cherchesov?
Yes, someone told me about this. It's nice, but not important. Only the final list of those included in the national team will matter.
Elmir Nabiullin - Russian football player, defender of Rubin and the Russian national team, best young footballer of the RFPL 2014. Elmir was born in Tatarstan, is a student of DYUSSHOR-14, and later gained experience at the Rubin Academy. In March 2014, he made his debut in the main lineup of the Ruby team. At the end of the 2014/15 season, he was recognized as the best young player in the championship. In March 2015, he made his debut in the main squad of the Russian national team, coming on as a substitute in a friendly match against Kazakhstan.
- Full name: Elmir Ramilyevich Nabiullin
- Date and place of birth: March 8, 1995, Kazan (Russia)
- Role: left back
Club career of Elmira Nabiullina
Born in Kazan, he was initially brought up in the ranks of DYUSSHOR-14, then moved to the Rubin Academy. He worked under Renat Rashidovich Ibragimov. In the Rubin youth team, he was a regular player in the starting lineup and wore the captain's armband. He spent the 2012/13 season as part of the reserve team of the Kazan team, where he was also a player in the starting lineup. He missed the first half of the 2013/14 season due to injury. He recovered under the leadership of Evgeniy Georgievich Bondarenko, and in the winter he went with the first team to a training camp in Turkey. In March 2014, he made his debut in the main lineup of the Kazan team, starting from the first minutes of the match against Anzhi. The footballer himself assessed his debut as follows:
“The impressions are indescribable, at first there was excitement, but then it passed. After the match, the coaches praised me. I thought it would be more difficult. Now I have to justify the trust of the coaching staff."
Until the end of the season, Renat Bilyaletdinov continued to trust Elmir with a place on the left flank of defense, releasing him in six championship meetings. The next season, the defender missed only five matches of the national championship. On April 12, 2015, he scored his debut goal in a Ruby jersey, bringing a draw in the confrontation with Zenit. Nabiullin also gave out five assists. At the end of the season, he was recognized as the best young football player in the Russian Championship. Fabio Capello, Leonid Slutsky, Mutko, Villas-Boas, Galitsky and many other football figures in the country voted for the talented defender. Elmir was also included in the symbolic list of the most promising players on the planet according to the British publication The Telegraph.
In the summer of 2015, Zenit and Spartak Moscow were actively interested in the footballer, but representatives of the Tatarstan team made it clear that they would not part with their footballer, although they considered the option of exchanging for Christian Ansaldi and additional payment from the anti-aircraft gunners. Nabiullin started the 2015/16 season at Rubin and already played his first match in the Europa League on July 30. He scored his first goal of the new season on September 27 in a home match against Ural (1-2).
International career of Elmira Nabiullina
In 2011, he received an invitation to the Russian U17 national team, played 10 matches here and scored 1 goal. He spent the next two years in the U18 team, and also made his debut in the U19 youth team. Since 2014, Nabiullin has been a player in the youth team of the Russian national team. In March 2015, he made his debut in the main team of the national team in a friendly match against Kazakhstan. Subsequently got into the application for friendly match against Belarus, as well as for the Euro 2016 qualifying match against Austria. After Leonid Slutsky joined the team, he stopped being included in the main team roster.
Individual achievements of Elmira Nabiullina
- Best young football player of the Russian Championship 2014
- Elmir's idol is Real Madrid full-back Marcelo;
- In October 2015, I bought 50 tickets for schoolchildren for the Europa League match against Liverpool.
Young Russian players it's worth thinking about football. They don’t need crazy salaries, says Rubin Kazan defender
If we put aside the professional interests of the journalist, then we can simply admire the young “star” of Tatarstan football, the “Tatar Bale” Elmir Nabiullin. A modest, taciturn guy who, through his hard work and partly his talent, made his way into the main team of his native club - Rubin Kazan. In an exclusive interview sports edition“Nabi” got into a conversation with Realnoe Vremya, telling us about all the stages of his interesting journey. In addition, Elmir spoke about the coaches of Rubin Kazan - past and present, assessed the upcoming salary cap for young players in Russian football and, in general, outdid himself in verbosity.
“I still give all the money to my parents”
You are one of the few local football players who managed to make it to the senior Rubin. Why are there so few of you?
It's a difficult question. We seem to have everything and have built an academy; a lot of people study at Rubin. Why don't they take you to the main teams? I don’t know, maybe they should go through all the stages of professional football first. Play in the youth team and in other leagues. And then, those who grow to the required level will be hired. Coaches are not their own enemies. There will be a level - there will be a composition.
- How did you get into football? Why not hockey, for example?
As a child, I also played bandy on boxes. I don’t know, but I liked football more. At first I played in SDYUSSHOR. My first coach - Renat Rashidovich Ibragimov , was recruiting players, noticed me, approached my mother - she worked at the school. I was often sick as a child, and because of this, my mother was not happy with the idea. The coach persuaded us, let's try. Mom gave up, okay, let her go. That's how I started playing football.
- Have you played defense since childhood?
No, I started on offense. Then they transferred me to defense.
- Why?
I don’t know, that’s how the coach saw it.
- Where did you like it most? In defense or attack?
When we were little, everyone wanted to score more, in front, of course, they liked it.
- How did it turn out with the Rubin double?
Initially, several people took us. At first it was difficult to adapt. Still, the speeds there were much higher, and then I slowly began to get used to it, and when I was called to the main team, it was already easier.
About the students of Kazan football: “We seem to have everything, and we built an academy, a lot of people study at Rubin.” Why don't they take you to the main teams? I don’t know, maybe they should go through all the stages of professional football first.”
- Do you remember the moment when you became a professional football player? That is, I started earning money.
Of course I remember. But in the double we weren’t like that big salaries. 15 thousand rubles, no more.
- At first, did you give everything to your parents?
Yes, I still give everything to my parents. They control my money.
“Under Berdyev, few of the young people managed to get into the squad”
Under Berdyev, they say, it was difficult for any of the youth to get into the starting lineup. Was that so?
Yes, under Berdyev I don’t even remember young players playing. Few people have succeeded.
- Were you involved in the foundation at that time?
Yes, but only during training. Discipline comes first for him. Berdyev is a tough and demanding coach.
- Did you also play in defense for him then?
- Was there a moment when you were closest to the base?
We had cup games, I was invited to training. They played with Luch-Energia for the cup, they took several young players, and I got injured just before the match.
- Then during training with the base, how did the elders treat you? Did you support?
Certainly. I already knew many players, so it was easier, they suggested and helped. And he quickly adapted. Sharonov helped most of all and gave a lot of advice.
- Many people believe that Bilyaletdinov paved the way for you to adult football. What do you think?
Yes, I agree. Bilyaletdinov noticed and invited him to his place. At first, I started calling him to train with the main team. Then he said: get ready to play. This was before the away match with Anzhi. But I thought I’d go out for 10-15 minutes, but he put me at the start. I didn't expect it, of course.
About preparation under Bilyaletdinov: “Physically we were prepared very well, so in the second half we ran over almost all the teams”
- Didn’t your knees shake when you went out on the field?
Before the game there was a little bit of jitters. And when the referee blew the whistle, everything went away.
- Did you play there on the same flank with Karadeniz?
Yes, with him.
- I’ve been noticing for a long time that during matches he shoves something at you, does he give you any hints?
Yes, it happens.
- How was it in the first match?
He also pushed and encouraged more. He told me everything was there.
- From the very beginning, you were somehow very active in attacking, but they say you are modest...
Well, yes, I think these are my strong qualities - to join the attack. That's why I love this business.
“Bilyaletdinov and Bondarenko physically prepared us well”
- Why was Bilyaletdinov’s team so strong, which took 5th place in the championship?
Physically we were prepared very well, so in the second half we ran over almost all the teams.
- This was especially noticeable in that match with CSKA. Remember?
When did you win 2:1? Certainly.
- A former track and field athlete trained with you in “fitness”. After Bilyaletdinov’s dismissal, many critical arrows were fired at him.
Yes, Bondarenko... I believe he contributed to these victories. There were more advantages, we were tested so well in physics.
About the “star” disease: “I don’t think I’ve ever had this problem. And it won't. All my loved ones will confirm this to you."
- At the end of that season, you became the best young player in Russia. What emotions were there?
When you receive such awards, it is very nice and it motivates you and gives you more self-confidence.
- Do you follow other careers of other nominees? The same Miranchuk...
We have known each other for a long time, from the Russian youth team. Yes, Miranchuk is growing, it is clear from him that he is improving both tactically and technically.
- Problems with star fever wasn't it?
I don't think I've ever had this problem. And it won't. All my loved ones will confirm this to you.
"Gracia focuses on defense"
I got the impression that in the first season your attacks and defense were more balanced than under Chaly. What do you think?
I believe that when you play well in the first season, the same is required of you in the second. Sometimes you can burn out, and something like that happened. I think now we need to get in the same shape and train hard.
- What specifically needs to be improved, in your opinion?
As a young person, I still need to improve a lot both in technique, tactics, thinking, everything.
- What exactly is Javier Gracia working with you on now? What does it focus on?
He puts more emphasis on defense. So that we act more clearly in defense.
- Why doesn’t this always work?
Because not so long ago we just started working on this. Previously, before Gracia's appointment, they may not have paid much attention to this. And now we are trying to act better defensively.
About this season: “We are gradually finding our style of play. It doesn't happen all at once. Coaches and players need to adapt to Russian football. But we are already improving"
- Both Bill and Chaly tried you in midfield, closer to the attack. Why did the experiment fail?
I don’t know, I’m more used to defense. Maybe I haven’t played offensively for a long time. Perhaps, if I had more practice in midfield, I would improve in this position.
- Maybe you just need more space to run, as is the case with the full-back position? (laughs)
Maybe (smiles).
- This season “Rubin” was harnessed for a very long time. Can we say that you have already found your game?
Gradually we find our playing style. It doesn't happen all at once. Coaches and players need to adapt to Russian football. But we are already improving.
- Can you describe Rubin’s playing style? at the moment?
Now we are coming to control the ball more. Maybe things are not working out yet, but I think we still have everything ahead.
"I am very grateful to Javi"
Gracia is your first foreign coach, and I'm sure it won't be the last. What new things did you learn from this experience?
Xavi is very supportive of young players and gives us self-confidence. With every mistake, he motivates the player to quickly forget this mistake and continue playing. I am very grateful when Javi always tells me and encourages me. Unlike Russian coaches, he does not act authoritarianly, but tries to explain.
Rubin has a match with Rostov ahead, which means a lot to many fans. Do the members of the team somehow prepare you in a special way for the match with Rostov?
There is still time before the game, but we are already preparing for it. While there have been no such conversations, their team has not yet been sorted out. But I haven’t felt a special relationship with Rostov yet. Although there is something in the air.
You are young promising footballer. What are your career priorities? We don’t take Rubin, it’s clear that this is our home club. Are you fundamentally ready to stay in the Russian championship or make your way to Europe?
The first task is to get into the first team. It's very important for me to be there. Well, I would like to try my hand at the European championship. I think Spanish would suit me better.
About a friend: “I have a girlfriend. We've been dating for about two years.<...> Her name is Zukhra. Plans? The most serious!”
Are you ready to take a pay cut for the chance to play in Spain? So, Kokorin, for example, or Denisov refused.
To be honest, I’m interested in playing in Europe. You can say that I dreamed of playing there since childhood. Money in this case will not matter much.
What do you think are your chances of making it to the national team? home championship world by 18? And who are your main competitors?
The main competitors are Zhirkov, Kudryashov and Petrov. They are currently being called. What are my chances? This, I think, should be asked to the coaches. But I would like to be there as soon as possible.
- Do the coaches of the first team keep in touch with you? Motivated?
Not at the moment.
“Upset the Kazan girls? Not scary"
- There are legends about your modesty. Does this manifest itself equally on the field and in life?
Previously, yes, but now I have become much bolder on the field, and the players and coaches see and note this.
- So, on the field you are no longer “silent”?
It is precisely this component that I am adding.
- Why are you lagging behind in life?
I don't know, maybe I'm used to being like this.
- I’m sure the next question is of great concern to Kazan girls. How is your personal life?
I'll disappoint you, I have a girlfriend. We've been dating for about two years.
- Tell me more: how did you meet, what’s your name, what are your plans?
We once came to a friend’s birthday party. And there I saw her. I couldn’t forget her for a long time, I asked friends how her personal life was. As a man should, he took the first step - asked for his phone number. That’s how we met, started talking, and then dating. Her name is Zukhra. Plans? The most serious!
- Well, he took it and upset all the Kazan girls.
Not scary (laughs).
- Do you still live with your parents?
- At the age of 21, people usually already try to live independently, for general development personalities...
Yes, I agree. It's time, but I'm used to it with my parents. But soon we will have to prepare to live separately.
- Are your parents ready for this?
I think not yet. But I think they will support me all the time, I don’t see anything wrong with that. We will also communicate.
On the salary cap for young players: “I think it will be fair. Young players should think about football first.”
- Who is the leader among players at modern Rubin? Previously, for example, there was Karadeniz, but now he hardly plays.
Leadership qualities are now being demonstrated by Rochina, Zhonatas, the guard of the Ryzhikov gate. And in the locker room, as always, Ryzhikov. Well, Karadeniz and Kuzmin, of course.
- Which of the Rubin players helped you more in your development?
Initially it was Sharonov, as I already told you. And when I already started playing, it was Karadeniz, he helped a lot.
- And what?
In movements on the field, for example. When something didn’t work out, he said that here it was necessary to do this, here it was necessary to do this, and through an interpreter he explained this to me. And gradually I began to understand and improve what it requires.
“Young people should think about football, not money”
- But now you play with Tkachuk more often. How is your interaction?
Yes, he also likes to give tips. He helps me too. It’s mutual: he’s on my defense, I’m on his attack.
It’s almost a fait accompli: starting from the new season they plan to introduce a salary cap for young players “with a passport.” Your attitude?
I think this will be fair. Young players should think about football first. They don't have to make crazy salaries. Otherwise they may get lost because of this. Everything needs to be done gradually.
- Akhmetov has passed now, why doesn’t he actually play - to the question of the lost? ( laughs)
Well, salaries definitely have nothing to do with it. At first he played, then something didn’t work out, but he still shows himself in training and this will definitely bear fruit. He will have a chance.
- Do you, in fact, have no competitor in the main lineup?
Mavinga was in training, and Bergström was also played in this position.
- He played a couple of matches there and was never seen again.What club do you dream of playing for?
My childhood dream is to play for Real Madrid (smiles).
All “Hispanophiles” are divided into fans of Real Madrid and Barcelona, it seems. Why in your case “royal club”?
The answer is already in the question (smiles). The club is royal.
- Do you have any idols among left-backs in our and world football?
My idol is Marcelo from Real Madrid. And from the Russian championship it was Ansaldi. When I was little, I watched his games for Rubin.
“If it weren’t for my brother, I would be sitting at home”
- You made your debut in the first national team against Kazakhstan. How did you find out about the challenge?
My mother told me this. I read this news on the Internet. It was very nice, it was my first call to the national team.
- What do you do in free time from football?
I try to spend more time with my parents and friends.
- Where do you go with your friends? I wonder what the modest Rubin players are doing.
I don't know, there is nothing like that. We go to the cinema, cafe. I spend time at home, nothing interesting.
About idols: “My idol is Marcelo from Real Madrid.” And from the Russian championship it was Ansaldi. When I was little, I watched his games in the colors of Rubin.
- Is it known that your late brother Adele had a serious influence on your football future?
If it weren't for him, I would be sitting at home. It was he who dragged me into the yard to play football.
- What happened to your brother? They say they killed...
There was some kind of incomprehensible situation there. He somehow went around the corner. And some guy says, like, “What are you doing here?” Word by word, that guy leaves. His brother catches up with him, he wanted to figure out what happened. And he immediately turned around without a word and stabbed him in the heart.
A mutual acquaintance of mine told me: I remember the two of them (Elmir and Adele) came to visit their relatives, and we played against their street. Our team, he says, was strong, but no one played for them except Adel. He was a powerful striker, Nabiullin always stood behind him, because he was small. Was there such a thing?
Yes, they just played among themselves when they came to their village. They have their own fields. It's fun to kick the ball around. Adele was the main star there, but they were all older than me, and it helped me a lot that I played with adults.
Arthur Khalilulov, Zulfat Shafigullin, photo by Oleg Tikhonov
