Daniil Gleikhengauz: “I don’t really feel like a villain in a training process, so I’m comfortable. I try to convey to the athlete that they shouldn’t see me that way either.”

Coach and choreographer Daniil Gleikhengauz spoke about his approach to training.

original source: Maxim

Coach and choreographer Daniil Gleikhengauz discussed his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need for discipline and adaptation to modern athletes, while stating he does not see himself as a villain in the training process. Here’s a translation of his comment.

“Q: Do you see a difference between how you were coached and how you coach now?

Daniil Gleikhengauz: It’s especially noticeable in terms of psychology. When I was little, parents taught us to treat the coach like a teacher. We were more afraid of coaches, tried not to speak up unnecessarily, let alone contradict them.

Now, kids have technology, AI. They try to teach you something in return instantly, or prove you wrong. Modern kids are much more open. The coach-student relationship is no longer so one-sided. I can’t say it’s become easier to work because of this. As a coach, I think it’s actually become harder. But times change, and a coach just has to adapt, try to talk and explain more – like why you’re giving a specific task or making a certain demand. You can’t just raise your voice anymore.

Q: But what about the theory that you can’t raise Olympic champions without being strict?

Daniil Gleikhengauz: From our experience, yes, that’s true. There’s a huge difference between doing sports for fun and for high achievement. High-level sport is about overcoming, about difficulties, and people can’t want to do something every day.

We, as people, are generally lazy. Sometimes it’s hard to go to work or to practice. If no one motivates you or explains why you need it, sometimes you’ll do everything half-heartedly or not at all. So yes, discipline and some strictness are necessary in training.

Q: Are you comfortable being the “villain”?

Daniil Gleikhengauz: I don’t really feel like a villain, so I’m comfortable. I try to convey to the athlete that they shouldn’t see me that way either. Everything I do and say is to improve results or help the athlete achieve the highest success in sport.

Of course, if you just yell or treat the athlete without respect, they’ll feel it and won’t trust you. But if they understand that even if you’re a bit tough sometimes, it’s for a good reason, then you’ll get results.”

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