And yet Kolyada was the best of the Russian team and of the European men. So, after this bad whole season, his bad health which didn't let him improve and the problems with the boots shortly at the end of season, he is still the best. Think about it. To bring the spots is not only his job. Samarin din't shown his whole potential and for all the hype here on forum of Lazukin being better than Kolyada, i have also seen nothing as such.
I really wish the federation will take time and think how Kolyada's performance can be improved, what can they offer him in support and also for Kolyada to think what he wants for the next years. I believe it is time to change his team. I don't think Valentina can improve him much and he needs badly to keep improving his 4S and 4Lutz to play with the big boys. Also a fresh take on his skating would do him good, he was all his skating live with Valentina, he needs new perspectives. The problem is to find a coach suited to his independent and shy personality. In Russia Mishin doesn't like too much independent spirits and also is not good with artistic skaters, Eteri is also not very suited for independent adult male skaters, Buyanova - just NO.... Frankly i see only Orser being suited - look what he did with Jason Brown! But i don't think Russian fed to be smart enough to invest such money, sigh...