Elena Ilinykh & Nikita Katsalapov

[iris81]

Zhulin also told in press that Lena and Nikita do not work properly. For example, in this article, that was published before Worlds http://www.sovsport.ru/gazeta/article-item/453380
He says they are very creative and artistic, but they don't understand how much they need to work to become first.
He complains that while Nathalie and Fabian can do both Short and Free Dances at practice, Lena and Nikita even do not try to do the same, they "work on their own plan". He said "I hope they will read this interview and will make right conclusions".

[Autumn_girl]

Bad news from : I/K already left Zhulin
Even worse news: Morozov was mentioned as the most likely new coach for them
But there's still a hope, rumors says I/K already left Zhulin before but then back so maybe it's not serious this time too

[MarieM]

Let's hope they DON'T do this !!!

Morozov is the worst choice for them.
Pleaaaaaaase !!!

[Loves_Shizuka]

Ack.

Mind you, sounds like I/K could potentially be qutie a handful (I mean this politely) so maybe Morozov is a good move in that regard. From what I've been hearing, hasn't Zhulin been more of a "part-time coach," and perhaps been unable to instill real discipline in them?

[viv]

Zhulin also told in press that Lena and Nikita do not work properly. ... He says they are very creative and artistic, but they don't understand how much they need to work to become first....He said "I hope they will read this interview and will make right conclusions".

Well, if they really go to Morozov he will not let them get away with this. If they want to be a challenge to V&M ond D&V up to the Sochi-games - and I am sure they want - they have to learn that they will not achive it by relying on the it-factor they doubtlessly have.

[barbk]

I just don't get Morozov's attraction. For anyone.

[Hedwig]

Please, let that not be true.
Zhulin was/is perfect for them.

[Domshabfan]

Please, let that not be true.
Zhulin was/is perfect for them.

I agree with you... this is a bad move, who ever decided the move

[BittyBug]

Among their strengths, I/K have deep fluid edges, matched feet on the ice as well as amazing free-leg unison, flow, excellent posture, nice arms and overall bodylines, beautifully pointed feet, and compliment each other well on the ice in terms of size, power, flexibility, and artistic nuance. Along with V/M, there is no other team in the field that comes close to possessing all of these basics like I/K.

Oh please - just for starters, Samuelson & Bates have all of this, too.

[BlueRidge]

Oh please - just for starters, Samuelson & Bates have all of this, too.

yeah, but they are boring.

[MarieM]

Oh please - just for starters, Samuelson & Bates have all of this, too.

Really ? The problem is that Emily is a great dancer, but I don't think Bates matches her in terms of expression.
Add to that their boring programs, and they are nowhere near I&K's potential.

[millipied]

I knew it. Good Luck to I/K. Hopefully Morozov got time to coach them in-between wedding preparations and fatherhood

[Pratfall]

Oh please , not Morozov...

[Moka-Ananas]

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[iris81]

According to Elena's formspring http://www.formspring.me/Shindlerlist they canceled their summer vacation (2 days ago she wrote they are going to Turkey) and started preparation for new season. She writes that now they are working 14 hours a day.

[caseyedwards]

ooh

[Carmen Ovsiannikov]

Well, if Morozov is stricter than Zhulin and he can spend more time with I&K then I'm willing to wait and see what happens. Already they've cancelled their vacation and are training 14 hours a day (thanks iris81 for the news). Maybe Elena and Nikita have taken the criticism to heart and if things don't work out this is icedancing. Skaters change coaches like most people change underwear.

Of course they need to get it together sooner rather than later. It's not going to help I&K in the least no matter how much talent and charisma they have if they're left scrambling at the last minute right before the Olympics.

[kirkbiggestfan]

Who are they working 14 hours a day WITH?

[Libertango]

Oh please - just for starters, Samuelson & Bates have all of this, too.

But I/K have something S/B desperately lack : Speed

Well, if Morozov is stricter than Zhulin and he can spend more time with I&K then I'm willing to wait and see what happens.

Me too but I'm not holding my breath for choreagraphy...

Call me a fool but I think that Linichuck would have been a better solution for them. BTW Why didn't she come back to Russia?

[aka_gerbil]

Call me a fool but I think that Linichuck would have been a better solution for them. BTW Why didn't she come back to Russia?

From various articles and other things I've read, I've gotten the impression that she's pretty firmly settled in the US as is her daughter. I know her daughter is grown, but still, if her daughter plans on staying here, I can completely see why she'd want to be in the US, too.