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What does the CEV Challenge Cup mean for you in general?
“Well, we understand that this is not the greatest European competition. But still Zarechie ODINTSOVO has never won that trophy. So if we for some reasons didn’t have the opportunity to play in the CEV Champions League or the CEV Cup this year, why shouldn’t we try to fight for it? At least we are aiming at that.”
It’s not a secret that Zarechie ODINTSOVO is currently not going through the greatest period of its history. The club also has financial problems. In this situation what helps you stick together and show good results?
“I think we should say special thanks to our coach and my father Vadim Pankov. It was his efforts and ability to find some funds that let us survive this year. And also we have very determined girls who agreed to play for free and wait for better times although all of them had good proposals from other clubs. But Zarechie is our common home, and we want to stay here. This club has a great history and we don’t want it to finish sadly. As for me I also have an option to move to some other clubs who have more money but I’ll do that only if the situation here won’t change at the end of this season.”
Are you afraid of the competition for a place in the starting line-up with Evgenia Startseva who has now fully recovered after undergoing a surgery?
“Not that I’m afraid, that’s not the right word. Evgenia is a really experienced setter. But, you know, choosing a first setter is not about your previous titles and merits. It’s all about the daily work. So I don’t think that this subject is worth discussing before the start of the national team’s preparations. The coach will keep an eye on both of us and decide who deserves to play.”
Did you travel to the 2013 CEV European Championship as second setter?
“Actually yes. It was obvious that it was Anna Matienko who was going to be included in the starting six. But the worst thing happened and Anya broke her finger right in the first game. And so I had to play the whole tournament through. I knew that it was my decisions that would determine our success or failure. I knew also that any fault or injury would undermine our high expectations. But the girls supported me and showed their trust in me till the very end. We were just incredibly motivated and that helped me stand the challenge.”
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