I think that's a bit too harsh and not very logical! If this was the case, no one would want to work with Morozov, because they would be afraid that he will chuck them as soon as they win something! Plus now it is a really bad timing to stop work with Dai... He is on the rise, and I think Morozov would just love to add coaching an Olympic champion to his resume. Nobu is a great skater, but he's always been emotionally fragile, so if Nikolai cared just for results, I don't think he would made such a risky choice!
On the other hand, he still continues working with Miki, even though after Worlds 2007 her condition has been getting worse and worse... But he still plans to work with her until Olympics.
I think you are reading a bit too much into it. Firstly, speaking openly about one's accomplishments is a cultural norm in Russia (and Belarus, Poland, etc.) and isn't seen as bragging. Compared to Mishin I actually find Nikolai's words pretty tamed.
Secondly, it's not like he doesn't see and appreciate the skaters' talents and hard work. He also talks about them in interviews... He really praised Miki, Daisuke and, recently, Nobu a lot.
And thirdly, it's not like he said anything untrue. All the skaters he worked with recently - Shizuka, Dai, Miki, Adam - have improved very rapidly and earned a lot of medals. I think he might be the most successful coach recently... He must be doing something right, so I don't see why he shouldn't take credit for it.
I agree that the current situation is uncomfortable, but we don't know all the details. There might be some other factors in the play that we know nothing about...
I agree. I think that even great choreographers often run out of ideas because they create so many programs... Some new blood in this profession would be nice.
On the other hand, he still continues working with Miki, even though after Worlds 2007 her condition has been getting worse and worse... But he still plans to work with her until Olympics.
I remember a response he gave this season when he was asked about Takahashi, Ando and Rippon, and he said "They are successful because they work with ME" - taking all of the credit for himself. It just struck me at the time as very telling.
I think you are reading a bit too much into it. Firstly, speaking openly about one's accomplishments is a cultural norm in Russia (and Belarus, Poland, etc.) and isn't seen as bragging. Compared to Mishin I actually find Nikolai's words pretty tamed.
Secondly, it's not like he doesn't see and appreciate the skaters' talents and hard work. He also talks about them in interviews... He really praised Miki, Daisuke and, recently, Nobu a lot.
And thirdly, it's not like he said anything untrue. All the skaters he worked with recently - Shizuka, Dai, Miki, Adam - have improved very rapidly and earned a lot of medals. I think he might be the most successful coach recently... He must be doing something right, so I don't see why he shouldn't take credit for it.
I agree that the current situation is uncomfortable, but we don't know all the details. There might be some other factors in the play that we know nothing about...
Buttercup said:I think it would be good for Dai to work with someone who doesn't choreograph a lot of programs each season and who doesn't have as much experience - more room for his own input that way
I agree. I think that even great choreographers often run out of ideas because they create so many programs... Some new blood in this profession would be nice.