But Zhenya is already so hard on herself and intense. I can’t see how a coach being tough on her would help.
I may be projecting, but mostly, even if you're harsh on yourself, you still need someone that pushes you with the same intensity... but with another perspective. A mature and experienced one, a realistic one too. Because you may be giving energy in the wrong way, and in the wrong direction.
Brian is someone who can be harsh, but seems to be more about feelings than realism. At least with her. But I believe is because he is projecting a little his wish to have a new Yuna Kim. And she needed someone that was more about feelings than objectivity ( at least that is what I interpretated from what David Wilson and Brian say about her being always sad ). With Yuzuru he seems to be harsher and realistic ( maybe because really, he's trully intense, and they know each other for a longer time ).
I guess that is also the fact that she is maturing. Finally having some teenager experiences like rebellion and trying new things. While trying new things is good and healthy, that also comes with self discovery, and confrontation with reality when least expected.
Trully, I think that her breaking down completely, will be the most healthy thing. Why? Because she finally will have the need to revive, and leave some things behind completely.
You know, changing coaches and changing country seems like a big change and all, but the mind doesn't really process that fast. She trully needs time. Patience.
It must be trully scary really, being in her place. I can relate to that too though, since I did something similar.
I think she can do this, she has many people at her side. But, most of all, she is intelligent and strong willed. Has attitude. And that is the most important thing.