Ikbal Albayrak
We have contacted her to find out what is she expecting in the next career station, Besiktas. But, firstly, let’s read about the last season’s impressions.
You spent two previous seasons in Bursa. How would you describe this period that is behind you?
„I am happy to be a player for Bursa BB for 2 seasons. The first year was unforgettable as we were the 5th in the Turkish league that is one of the most challenging league in the world and most important memory to remember was winning the CEV Challenge Cup which was my first European cup in my career. This season we also finished the league in the 5th position and come to the final of the CEV Challenge Cup once again but unfortunately, we lost at the final against Olympiakos. Looking back I can say that I am quite happy with my performance in Bursa BB during those 2 years and now moving forward to new challenges in a new club.“
Bursa finished in the 5th place in the season 2017/2018. Afterward, you met Fenerbahce in the playoffs. Do you think that you could have done it better?
„Yes, actually we were strong enough to win the series against Fenerbahce and very close to finish the season within first four. Especially during the second game of the playoff series we showed a great performance and resistance until the last ball but lost the game because of simple errors.“
Your new challenge is Besiktas. What do you expect in the next season?
„Besiktas is not a new team for me as I already played with the club many years back when I was a young player. Now it is my time to give them back all I can by showing my maximum performance with all the experience I gained during my journey in different clubs. Special thanks to my agency Shining Stars as well for their support during my journey. We are going to be playing in Balkan Cup this season and our aim is to win this cup first and continue our way in CEV Challenge Cup where I want to play another final, 3rd time in a row. I hope that we will be successful in all fields where we compete and looking forward to play the season with the great support of Besiktas fans in both home and away games.“
What are your plans for summer 2018?
„I will, of course, enjoy summer holiday and take some rest but I am not a player that give long breaks to my training routine so as I always do I will work together with my personal fitness trainers to keep my body fit and ready for the new season.“
What would be your message for all young volleyball players?
„For all young players, I just want to say “WORK HARD AND NEVER GIVE UP”.“
These are some interesting things about Ikbal Albayrak:
Favorite city: İSTANBUL
Favorite song: One By One (Deeperise/ Jabbar )
Favorite movie: Lord Of The Rings
Favorite quote: „DONT ASPIRE TO BE BEST ON THE TEAM, ASPIRE TO BE THE BEST FOR THE TEAM.“
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