MOSCOW (EuroBasket Women) - Newly-installed head coach Anatoliy Myshkin is under no illusion as to the task he faces in trying to restore the Russian women's national team to the top table.
For the first time in decades, the traditional powerhouse won't be stepping out at the FIBA World Championship for Women later this year and will even have to go through the unfamiliar process of qualification games to punch a ticket for EuroBasket Women 2015.
Having been overlooked last time when the position was given to Lithuanian play-caller Alfredas Vainauskas, Myshkin is finally holding the reins and trying to make up for his predecessor's disastrous reign, which culminated in a shock first round exit at EuroBasket Women 2013.
"First of all, I would like to say that I take pleasure in the solving of the tasks in front of me," he said.
"Recent results of the national team have been deplorable, but I am absolutely sure that this crisis is temporary and soon Russian basketball can afford to return to its rightful place among the world's strongest teams.
"First of all, I think all who care about the results of the team need to work together to achieve a common goal.
"I am counting on the support of the managers and coaches of all Russian clubs, with the closest tournament task clear - we must break into EuroBasket Women 2015."
Russia will face Sweden, who beat them on French soil earlier this year and also Netherlands in their qualification group.
Myshkin's appointment has been fully endorsed by Russian Basketball Federation President Yulia Anikeeva.
"I am convinced that Anatoliy can gather under the banner of the main team of the country's strongest players and will create favourable working, a creative atmosphere in the team, and that the coaching staff will do everything to achieve their goals," she said.
"Myshkin is a winner in spirit and this is very important in the current circumstances today.”
Krasnye Krylia men's coach Sergey Bazarevich is thought to have declined an initial approach for the post.
Myshkin hasn't done any frontline coaching since departing Dynamo Kursk five years ago and must pick up the pieces now that many of the famous golden generation, including Maria Stepanova, Ilona Korstin and Svetalana Abrosimova have all announced their respective retirements.
FIBA
