12/05/2020 09:00
“We are coming back, Volleyball is coming back!” – Lauri Kerminen
News from the clubs
Luxembourg, May 12, 2020. Kuzbass KEMEROVO reached the semis of the CEV Champions League Volley in their maiden appearance in Europe’s elite competition, but they could not go any further as the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic brought sport to a standstill across the globe. Waiting for some sort of normality to return, we have reached out to their libero Lauri Kerminen, to understand what he has been up to lately and what plans he is devising for the return of competitive sport.
Where are you right now? How do you spend these times of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic after the cancellation of the Russian league Playoffs?
I am at home in Finland with my family right now. I have been spending this time with my family and close friends and of course, I have been practicing as well in order to keep myself active!
Lauri Kerminen portrayed in a snapshot taken during the away match at ACH Volley LJUBLJANA
In your very first Champions League season, you and Kuzbass reached the semis, before the CEV had to cancel the rest of the competition. What do you take from this experience, apart from this imposed stop?
Of course, it was sad to hear that we could not play the semis anymore but under those circumstances, it was the right decision! It was a crazy good experience to play around Europe against the best teams and so many noisy fans! I hope that I can repeat this experience someday again! For sure, I am going to remember this first Champions League year all of my life!
How much and in which way have you evolved as a player by contesting the Russian Superleague and Europe’s elite club competition?
Since coming to Russia up until today, I have been taking big steps. Of course, when you practice with good players and play against the best teams in the world, this makes you better! As for my development over the last two years, I think it is more about mental things, such as recognising a situation during the game, doing small things and easy stuff to perfection…
Kerminen looking focussed before the start of a Champions League match
It is sometimes difficult to motivate young players to play as libero. How would you do so, maybe sharing some little ‘secrets’ from your experience?
[Laughs]. I had the same problem when I was younger, because I always wanted to hit the ball. I think when you are young, you should do whatever you like, setter, libero etc... I mean you can play different sports as well! When you get older, you will know what you really like to do and make the decision! It is good to be versatile! I do not have any real secret to share, just do what you like to do and enjoy it!
Lauri can be a good setter - on top of being an excellent libero!
Finland will be hosting EuroVolley in 2021. What do you expect from it personally, for your national team and in terms of growing the popularity of the game in your country?
Yes, we are hosting this big event next year. Right now, it is difficult to say what I expect, but I hope we can play our best Volleyball and show to the people who are watching that Volleyball is an interesting sport! Moreover, I hope we can motivate younger (why not older too) to try Volleyball.
Finally, what is your message to Volleyball fans in times of lockdown and unprecedented uncertainty?
Just try to stay safe and positive, we will get through this only together! We are coming back, and Volleyball is coming back!
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