Yiannis Kalmazidis emphasized that Panathinaikos overturned against Tsvole because of his service and reception, he believes that there is pressure in the European matches, but they showed how they are a better team and stood on the quality and the history of Dutch volleyball.
Analytically: “We achieved an important victory and I believe that our service changed the image of the match. Overall, our reception didn’t go too badly. We can do even better and targeted service regularly.
The first match is always difficult in a season and you never know exactly how you will present yourself and certainly in an institution like the Challenge Cup with double matches, an extra pressure is created. I believe we are a better team and it showed in the end and we have to take advantage of the strengths of all the athletes we have. We have four blockers who can do a very good job and, knowing the opponent, we now know what to expect.
Holland has a great tradition in the sport and their teams play well although they are by no means of our quality.”
Kenya Karkases emphasized: “The first match is always difficult, but I am sure that in the second match we will be even better. Our opponent was a young team with energy and they definitely gave us a hard time at times. Nevertheless, today we are happy with the result and we are focused on preparing for the return match. I already feel very familiar and our world is very ‘warm’.”
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
