In an unprecedented achievement, Italian coach Daniele Santarelli has become the reigning champion of three different prestigious titles all within a single year. After leading Serbia’s national team to the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship crown and Italy’s Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano to the 2022 Women’s Club World Championship, Santarelli guided Türkiye to a victory in the women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
The 42-year-old’s golden touch didn’t stop there. Under his leadership, Türkiye won their first-ever VNL trophy last month. Cuban-born Melissa Vargas played a stellar role, debuting for the team and winning the Most Valuable Player award. Santarelli’s coaching prowess stood out in his first competition with the Turkish team, as he led them to historic success.
Santarelli gladly answered questions from FIVB.com, reflecting on Türkiye’s triumph in the VNL 2023.
He expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and praised the abilities of his players, especially Vargas. However, he emphasized that the key to success was the team’s attitude, teamwork, and shared determination to win.
Santarelli humbly shrugged off suggestions that he might be the best coach in the world, citing luck and the opportunity to work with top players as major factors. He revealed that his approach involves open communication, empathy, hard work, and creating a special team atmosphere.
Looking ahead to the summer competitions, the coach’s focus is now solely on the European Championship. Despite being the reigning VNL champions, he acknowledges that upcoming matches will be challenging and that Türkiye will no longer be a surprise contender.
In closing, Santarelli thanked the Turkish federation and fans for their belief and support. He expressed happiness for making the fans proud and urged continued hard work towards the next goal, acknowledging that the road ahead will be tough.
You can read the complete interview here.
