11/10/2011 13:30
Getting to know: Nikola Jovovic
News from the clubs
Friedrichshafen, Germany, October 11, 2011. Nineteen-year old Nikola Jovovic recently joined Germany’s VfB FRIEDRICHSHAFEN together with five other players that were also transferred to the club from the Lake of Constance. Jovovic, who was born in Novi Sad, is considered one of Europe’s most promising setters and was already extremely successful on the international arena together with Serbia’s youth and junior national teams.
Back in 2009 he stroke silver and gold as the Youth European and World Championships were held in Rotterdam (NED) and Jesolo (ITA) respectively, adding a bronze medal to his showcase from the 2010 CEV Junior European Championship in Bobruisk (Belarus) and another third place this past summer as his side completed the podium of the FIVB Junior World Champs in Rio de Janeiro. Jovovic shares here some impressions about his new club in Germany, the start of the season in the Bundesliga and his expectations for the upcoming 2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League.
How do you feel in Friedrichshafen?
I feel really well. The people around me – it does not matter if coaches, teammates or people just out there on the streets – are very friendly. That is important especially for me as a young player. Meanwhile Friedrichshafen is like a second home for me and that is a great pre-condition to be successful in the future.
Are you learning German?
Yes. At the moment I am trying to learn some German. Therefore I got special software for my computer. Right now I am only able to speak some words. It is not that easy for me as Serbian. But I get a lot of support. Especially during practice I learn a lot of German words, which I can use also for my daily life.
How is the daily practice?
It is really hard work. But I feel well, because I recognize that I am improving. Everybody supports me – that is a pretty good experience. And our coaches are just great. I feel myself in good hands here.
How do you evaluate the start of the season – you were defeated by the winner of the German Cup, Generali UNTERHACHING?
The first match was quite unlucky. We expected more, but finally we lost. Then we got the first victory in front of our home crowd. That felt great and was very important as well. We hope that we can collect the next victory against the Netzhoppers KW-Bestensee this Wednesday, so we can travel to Kazan with some more self-confidence.
What do you expect from the 2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League?
I already played a couple of Champions League matches two years ago. I was much younger and more inexperienced. In spite of it this competition feels new and very special to me. I think we are an outsider in this tournament starring all the best teams in Europe. Anyway we want to qualify for the second round. We are good for some surprises.
The first match of the 2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League is against Russian champion Zenit KAZAN. What do you think about this opponent?
Zenit KAZAN is clearly the big favourite in our pool. The Russians have one of the best teams all over Europe. It will be very difficult to be successful there. We will try our best and maybe with some luck a victory may be possible.
As setter you have an important function in your team. How do you see this?
It is a very important position that takes much responsibility. I learn a lot from my coach Stelian Moculescu and my teammate Juraj Zatko. I know that I am young and have to work hard to manage the responsibility associated to this role. But I believe that I am able to do that.
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