Skip to content

Former Team Russia coach Bilyaletdinov says KHL needs less foreigners

Russia is still enraged over its loss to Finland in the quarterfinals at the Olympics in Sochi last month. The players were let down by the decisions made by coaching staff. The loss was a huge disappointment to the host country.

As the chips began to fall and head coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov was fired from his position with the National Team, speaking out was his next step.

What's the solution to becoming a contender for a medal in Pyeongchang, South Korea? Less foreign players in the KHL, says Bilyaletdinov. 

"It's not right to exceed the limit that we have now," he told R-sport. "I worked with the national team, I understand the situation. We need to be thinking in terms of a reduction (in the number of foreign players). We need to let our guys play. The optimal option is three to four foreigners."

Bilyaletdinov filed to be reinstated as head coach and that claim was refused by the Russian Federation on Wednesday, according to R-sport

Russia is still looking for their first post-Soviet gold medal at the Olympics, and it won't be coming courtesy of Bilyaletdinov.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox