29/03/2016 14:03
Galatasaray and Dinamo KRASNODAR open programme of European Cup finals
2016 CEV Volleyball Cup - Women
Istanbul, Turkey, March 28, 2016. The programme of the 2016 European Cup finals will get underway on Tuesday early evening with Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL hosting Russia’s Dinamo KRASNODAR for the first of two matches on schedule for the last act of this year’s CEV Volleyball Cup – Women. 2015 gold medallists Dinamo KRASNODAR have arrived in Istanbul on Sunday morning already and so had a few opportunities to test their skills at Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall in Turkey’s largest city. The re-match will then follow on Saturday, April 2 with Dinamo trying to use the home advantage to claim back-to-back titles in Europe’s second most prestigious club competition.
Dinamo coach Konstantin Ushakov said: “The flight to Istanbul was o.k. but our journey to the CEV Volleyball Cup finals was not as easy as the flight. We expect a tough match and it does not really matter where we play this game. We play every match to win. We know that the atmosphere will be hot because the fans of Galatasaray will be doing everything they can to support their team. We feel the responsibility towards our club and fans as well, so we want to show a good performance and win this match.”
The charismatic and legendary captain of Dinamo, Lioubov Shashkova (Sokolova), said she was happy to be back in Istanbul and added: “We have gone a long way to progress to the finals and I think we did well so far. I am definitely happy with contesting once more the finals of the CEV Volleyball Cup. We are ready for any kind of scenario. We know the team we will be playing against and I personally know many of the players on their roster from the time I used to play in Turkey’s national league. I am glad that I have the opportunity to catch up with some good old friends. I expect a great Volleyball show to unfold on Tuesday.”
The coach of Galatasaray Daikin, Ataman Güneyligil, emphasised once more the trust he feels for his players: “A very difficult match is awaiting us. I am confident that our players will do their best to honour their uniforms. I hope Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall will be a full house and we will give Volleyball fans one more reason to love the game.”
Italian-born opposite Nadia Centoni added: “I keep telling the same thing: the most beautiful moment has finally arrived. It was a long journey where we learned to overcome obstacles by sticking together, playing and working as a team. Now it is time to enjoy the game and to go for the cup.”
The matchup starts at 7:00pm local time and will be broadcast live at www.laola1.tv
|