Vladislav Prodan speaks about the group stage of the 2022 Olympic Games

Vladislav Prodan, the head manager of the ROC women's ice hockey team, spoke about the group stage of the 2022 Olympic Games and the targets for the knockout phase.

- How would you summarise the performance in Group A?

- Four games in five days is difficult, especially when you consider that two of them were against the USA and Canada. We did well for the opening three matches, but the same can't be said for the fourth. Fatigue took its toll and the fact that the line-up is constantly changing as a consequence of the coronavirus test results. As a result of this issue, the line combinations which we had worked on during the training camp in Novogorsk have been ruined.

- How are the players coping with living in quarantine?

- This is having an effect on our performance level. During the day, the girls can't go out and enjoy the Olympic atmosphere at all. It's becoming increasing difficult with every passing day, but the girls are doing a good job and are trying their best. We are trying to find the right words to support them.

- The team has three days in which to prepare for the quarter-final against Switzerland.

- Given that we are waiting for players to become eligible for tournament participation, this can only be a good thing. Furthermore, we can rest more and gain full strength. The only negative aspect is that we will lose our match sharpness a bit.

- One of the group games started late at 21:10 local time.

- In my memory, this was the first time when a match started so late in the evening. It had an effect on the team, of course, the players only returned to the Olympic Village at around 2 am. This hasn't helped with the recovery process.

- Have you heard and seen fans in the stands supporting our team?

- Yes, and it's fantastic that we can hear our language and see our supporters here in Beijing. It gives us home warmth. I want to thank everyone for their support not just at the stadium, but also back at home. The girls are receiving lots of messages of support, it gives them even more energy and motivation!

- You defeated Switzerland in the maiden group game. What can we expect in the upcoming quarter-final?

- Just like all teams here, Switzerland are a strong side. If we take Canada and the US out of the equation, any team can beat another at this competition. In order to win, we must compete with full concentration and prepare in the correct manner.

- Despite the challenges have the team's tasks remained the same?

- Yes, our task is to win an Olympic medal!