Simon Tischer
– What was the main reason that you have decided to play in Jastrzebski Węgiel?
– There were more than just one reason. First, I encountered a very professional, well organized club. I had a very valuable conversation with coach Lorenzo Bernardi, who convinced me to come here. Not without significance is the fact that volleyball is very popular among the Polish volleyball fans. For an athlete it is very important sense, he has great support from the fans and the league is very strong. After two days in here I can only agree with what I heard earlier of the club. It is close to perfection, you can focus solely on coaching and the game.
– Does changing the volleyball environment come easily to you?
– There is nothing extraordinary. Life does not stand stil, I still need to take on new challenges.
– Did you hear that the setter position in Jastrzębski Węgiel was quite unlucky?
– I heard something about it, but I really do not care. I do not care what was in the past. It’s not my business. I am here in order to give my maximum, I want with all my strength to help the team in achieving its objectives and I will work hard.
– Let’s talk about the German national team. It has been a good year?
– This year has been really good, but it is incredibly stretched. We played a lot of games. In fact, the Olympics were a distant goal to which we were heading for two years. Pre-qualification first, then one qualifier in Sofia, followed by the continental tournament in Berlin, where he finally got the promotion. That’s all it cost us a lot of nerves, excitement and energy.
– How important was your new coach Vital Heynen?
– Very. He restored our joy for playing. Last European Championship in 2011, in which we took the 15th, last place, was a disaster for us. He lifted us and we started enjoying volleyball.
– Do your good results translate into an increase of popularity of volleyball in Germany?
– It is not that simple. It’s hard for volleyball. Football has a powerful lobby – media, TV stations, crowds of fans. And all this is understandable, because football in Germany is at a very high level. The positive for us is that on the London Olympic Games our country was represented in only two team sports – volleyball and field hockey.
– Do you feel tired from all the obligations with the national team?
– Coming to a club, I forget about what happened in the previous season. It’s not a problem.
– How to sum up your last season spent in Russia in Dynamo Krasnodar?
– I agree with the opinion that the Russian league is a little bit special. There is big money, which is a strong argument in favor of many players, league level is high. But the mentality is different. I completely acknowledge that Russia is the general manager and the players are the soldiers obediently carrying out orders. In Krasnodar we trained very hard. Sometimes, even I wondered if the coach does want to destroy his own team (laughs). Thus, Russia has been an interesting experience, but not necessarily easy.
– What are your expectations for the upcoming season in the colors of your new club?
– When I decide to change the club colors, I usually do it because I want to win. I’ve always been convinced that the team for which I play, is prepared to fight for the championship. And this team can win.
