Toniutti
Please, describe the greatness of the French success in the World League.
„It’s exceptional because it’s the first title of the French senior volleyball. We won 17 matches out of 18 possible. Except the United States, we beat all the best teams in the world to arrive at this result. We knew we could bring a medal even if it was going to be complicated considering the group with Brazil and the USA, but we knew that our team is competitive.“
How did the French team built up such an amazing team spirit?
„This team spirit has been present for a long time. We’re a team that lives well together on and off the field. We have a lot of fun playing together.“
Can you reveal us some interesting conversation between your teammates during the Final Six?
„There are three significant moments for me. After the first match against Brazil, Earvin (Ngapeth) said to me in the elevator – I feel we will win this World League. Then, after our defeat against the USA, we were happy to qualify for the semifinals, but we all realized that we haven’t played well. So, the coach raised his voice a little bit to re-mobilize us for the semifinal. Finally, the strongest point is after our semifinal victory against Poland when we were in the locker room feeling happy and thinking that we want to go out in the final and win.“
How did you celebrate the title in the World League?
„We flew the same night after the final so, the real celebration of our victory happened with the fans and media waiting for us at the airport. And in the evening, the Federation arranged a party on a house boat in Paris.“
You had a turbulent last season. Were you disappointed because you didn’t have a chance to play for Zenit Kazan in the Champions League?
„Yes, the season has been a bit special for me. The fact of not being able to play the Champions League was difficult for me especially with a big club like Kazan. But, the most important was that I have managed to bounce back and help Friedrichshafen to win the Bundesliga.“
What do you expect in your new team, Zaksa Kędzierzyn-Koźle?
„I’m very pleased to sign for Zaksa. It’s a great club with a great structure and incredible fans. I saw some games of Antonin (Rouzier) when he played there. The Polish league is very attractive right now as the media coverage of volleyball in Poland is exceptional. I think that we have a great team and that we can compete for the title. I come with a lot of desire to win with Zaksa,“ Toniutti finished his intervew for WorldofVolley.
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