Butko
In an exclusive interview for WorldofVolley, he talks about chances of Zenit Kazan to retain the title.
During the last week major players of Zenit Kazan didn’t flight to Krasnoyarsk. So, does it mean that you have started preparing a week ago for the Final Four?
“Yes, sure. We are spending a lot of time in gym, we are practicing hard. But we also train on court with the guys, to prepare our connections, to make them better. Because we will need to play two energetic games in two days, so need to be ready for them,” explains Butko at the beginning of the exclusive interview for WorldofVolley.
What are your expectations for the Final Four in Krakow?
“It will be a big holiday for the people who love volleyball! These big finals are made for the fans! Especially in Poland, because we know how people are cheering there, how they are supporting their teams. It is always good and atmosphere in Poland and players love to play there. And for me it’s also interesting, because my good childhood friend Oleg Achrem plays for Resovia. We started playing volleyball together, so it will be interesting.”
Last season when you played for Lokomotiv, you also played against Asseco Resovia in Playoffs 6, and they beat you. So, this is a good chance for revenge, because Lokomotiv were close to take the ticket for the Final Four in Berlin.
“Yes, we were close to win in that round, but it didn’t happen. Now I want to win, Zenit want to win, and also Resovia want to win. I remember in these games between Lokomotiv and Resovia the guy who made the difference was Marko Ivovic who now is playing in Belgorod. He was amazing in the last season, in these matches. It was the game where just ONE player beat the other team.”
What might be decisive factor in the Final Four? Serving, reception or maybe crazy Polish fans?
“I think, first of all, the decisive factor might be the calmness! You know, for everybody it’s going to be the match of the season. Then, huge arena, crowd, every team is going to be nervous as well! So, the team that performs their game as fast as they can will have good advantage. And just after it we can speak about the serve. Because in volleyball it is one of the main factors. Who serves better – plays better. So, we must be concentrated but not nervous!”
What is the main weapon of Resovia in your opinion?
“Kurek is the main weapon! But when he plays as outside hitter, all the teams serve a lot on him, and it is problem for him and his reception, he becomes nervous and he worries about it. But when he plays as the opposite, when he doesn’t need to receive, he plays much better.”
So everybody know how people support their teams in Poland! Is it going to be a problem for you and Zenit?
“They are very good supporters. But, in the last season with Lokomotiv we played in small arena. Now, it will be huge Tauron arena with 15 thousand fans! Yes, sometimes it interrupts you, but on the other hand gives us huge motivation! You want to win more. And everybody likes to play when the arena is fully packed. It is better than to play in empty arena,” says Butko for WoV.
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