28/03/2014 22:28
Fenerbahce Grundig relies on home advantage to seize first European trophy
2014 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup - Men
Istanbul, Turkey, March 28, 2014. On Saturday Fenerbahce Grundig ISTANBUL will be vying for their first European trophy playing Italy’s Andreoli LATINA in the final act of the 2014 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup – Men. On Wednesday Fenerbahce failed to capitalize on a 2:0 lead and even missed out on three match balls while leading 14-11 at the tie-break before losing the away game to the silver medalists of last year’s CEV Volleyball Cup, Andreoli LATINA. On Saturday Fenerbahce Grundig will rely on the home fans to turn things around and add another chapter to the history of their glorious multi-sports club founded back in 1907.
“I know that every final is a very difficult task to take on but I am also convinced that we are ready to seize the night,” says Argentinean-born head coach Daniel Castellani. “On Wednesday we were very close to win the first game and we know we have what it takes to claim this return match. And even though we lost at the tie-break after leading 2:0 our motivation is still there and we are very determined to fight back.”
“We had many chances to win that game on Wednesday but eventually we lost,” adds Fenerbahce Grundig captain Arslan Eksi. “The Italian fans really helped their players come back from two sets down but we are convinced that our supporters will also have a positive impact on the quality of our performance. I believe that some 7,000 fans will come to follow the match and all together we will win in the end.”
“We won the first match but with our performance we also provided Fenerbahce with good chances to go for a victory,” says Andreoli LATINA middle-blocker Pieter Verhees. “I think that we have a very difficult game ahead,” he continues. “I was told that Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall will be filled with their fans, so this is going to be a great Volleyball party for all of us.”
“We know the ambiance will be quite difficult for us but we know what to expect because we had a similar experience last year while playing Halkbank in the final of the CEV Volleyball Cup,” stresses libero Salvatore Rossini. “We have the right edge after our home victory from Wednesday but I know that our opponents will be able to rely on their fantastic supporters.”
The final match will be streamed live on LAOLA1.tv; click here for a detailed TV schedule (see Downloads)
Picture: Fenerbahce head coach Daniel Castellani (left) and team captain Arslan Eksi
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