Friedrichshafen, Germany, December 10, 2012. To round out what has been so far a very disappointing campaign, VfB FRIEDRICHSHAFEN will host Hypo Tirol INNSBRUCK for the last round of play in prelim Pool A of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League.
This past October the side from the Lake of Constance had started its adventure by edging the neighbors from Tyrol coming back from two sets down but with a record of three defeats and only two wins in the competition, the “Häfler” are already out of contention for the Playoffs 12 and may have to be content with their relegation to the Challenge Round of the CEV Cup.
“We still have to stay focused and display a good performance” says middle blocker Matthew Denmark. “If we play as a team as we did on Saturday, then we have a good chance to win” he continues. "We have four points so far, so if we win 3:0 or 3:1, we will move up to seven and this would be quite good for us”.
Hypo Tirol INNSBRUCK will mostly rely on its opposite Ronald Jimenez and two experienced middle blockers, Davor Cebron and Razvan Daniel Gavan. Their setter Robert Koch spent a few seasons in Friedrichshafen (2000-2002 and 2003-2005), and the starting six is completed by wing spikers Alexander Berger and Rudinei Boff, plus libero Frederick Laure.
“We will have to pressure INNSBRUCK with our serve” says VfB mentor Stelian Moculescu. “It is also important to defend their attacks to convert them into an opportunity for us to score. If we perform well in service and reception, we shall get the upper hand”. All players shall be ready for this clash with middle blocker Max Günthör recovering from a bad cold and who missed the last match of the Bundesliga.