The head coach of “Rostov,” **[Jonathan Alba](https://smotrim.ru/video/3036679?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=serp&utm_campaign=serp)**, shared his thoughts on becoming the head coach of the southern team following the departure of **Valery Karpin.**

**— How surprising was Karpin’s recommendation to the “Rostov” management for you?**
— They informed me quickly, and it was indeed unexpected. The president is on board, and an important person for me said, “This is your moment.” I replied, “Okay…”

You start to think; there wasn’t much time to exclaim, “Wow, that’s amazing.” Instead, I was focused on all the logistics: “Wow, this, this, and that… how am I going to manage it all?”

**— How psychologically easy is it to step in knowing another person was previously on the sidelines?**
— I believe I’ve had some good fortune, as has often been the case in my career. The critical factor is how you commence. The players were already familiar with me, and I had always maintained positive relationships with them… I didn’t step in as a new head coach at a new club; the players were accustomed to me. The essence remained the same; only the face changed. For me, that made it a bit easier, — said Alba during a segment of the “Football of Russia” program aired on **[Rossiya 24](https://smotrim.ru/video/3036679?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=serp&utm_campaign=serp)**.