After one year spent in Iskra Odintsovo, Tomaso Totolo’s decided to change the club. In next season he will work in Zenit Kazan, next to Vladimir Alekno.
The last season you can divide into two parts: the first one, as Roberto Santilli’s assistant, and second when you were first coach. Now, looking back, how would you assess this season? Do you see any positives?
Tomaso Totolo: – Speaking only about the negatives, after everything that happened during the season, it would be too easy. I’m not looking for an excuse to justify the final result, which was bad, but some stuff had contributed to this. I would like to focus on the positive side which didn’t lack and which can be seen in every situation. I’ve learned many new things about the Russian league, about players, teams, the technical side, the training. And Superleague level is very high. I also had to deal with a whole new culture for me, the reality different from the one I knew before. I made a big step in my personal and professional development. I’m very happy that I could get this experience and that I shared it with a few special people, with of my two Italian friends: Vanny Miale and Ivan Contrario, also in very difficult times. It’s said… what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!
You’ve said that you want to transfer your “unwritten philosophy” to the players. Was it in Iskra, where were the financial problems, difficult to do?
– To be honest, unfortunately in this case, I actually have to divide an year spent in Odintsovo into two parts: as the second and as the first coach. When I’ve replaced Roberto, we had very little time but we had a clear goal: to win the last three matches played against teams from the top three. Players and the rest of the staff agreed with this and adopted new ways of working, which I suggested. We did our best and we won eight of nine possible points, reaching the target. In the second round we’ve played against team Gazprom Surgut which was very motivated and played fantastic. We couldn’t play against this team our best volleyball also for this reason that in the playoffs we lost several experienced players.
– Then came the “dramatic” second part of the season… The play-out was rigorous, there were two rounds and two groups of six teams and we played, among others, against Dinamo Moscow and Dinamo Krasnodar. A day before the start of the play-out our spiker, who was the basic player during the season decided to leave the team because of payment delays. For the whole team it was a real shock, everyone reacted negatively. Every player was in so much troubles because of the delay in payment. With great difficulty we managed to get out of the troubles of the first three days of dramatic play-out but it cost us so much!
The last two seasons haven’t been too successful for you. What did you learn during these two years?
– What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger! Each of those two years was a completely different experience and I learned a lot. First of all, you are able to cope with all problems if you really love what you are doing. The coaches, we are accountable for the results, the success, the victories, the losts… This is normal but it’s also something that we like in this work, and as I say, the love we feel for work, allows us to overcome all difficulties. Believe me, everyone, that if someone is responsible for his family, and doesn’t get payment for his work, this is a huge discomfort and trouble!
For this type of coaching seasons are certainly stressful. You had a moment of doubt that what you are doing, it may not be entirely a good thing?
– To be honest, in the end of the season in AZS Olsztyn I had more than a few doubts. I think the discussion is always right and proper. After last season I don’t have a lot to complain about because the management of Iskra approved my work, which made me very happy.
Many players say that for a foreigner to play in Russia is a great challenge because of the difficult working conditions and high expectations. And how about the coaching staff?
– Working conditions are the same for coaches and for the players. Pressure is part of our job where the expectations are huge and the pressure is proportional to them. However, we have to admit that when it comes to payments, they are very high and it is difficult to find a better paying job. There only the Turks can compete with the Russians.
What influenced on you to make a decision to move to Kazan? Did you have other proposals?
– Management of Iskra wanted me to stay there as the first coach but when I received an opportunity to work in Kazan, next to Alekno, I had no doubt what to choose. President of Iskra respected my choice and I’m grateful to him.
Alekno is another great coach with whom you’ll work. The opportunity to learn form the Olympic champion was crucial in choosing the club?
– I know Vladimir for a long time and I respected him even before he became an Olympic champion. His skills were rewarded at the Olympics. Certainly, the opportunity to work with him in a club was very important and it was the most important reason. Perhaps some will smile while reading this answer because thinking about Zenit Kazan, automatically appears the thought “possibility of a fast earnings”… But isn’t the most important, although it is clear that I am satisfied with the financial conditions which were offered to me.
As a team is already built or are there planned any other transfers?
– In fact, the team is almost complete, there is lacking only a second setter.
And what are your expectations for next season?
– Zenit Kazan is a team built to win in all competitions.
Currently lasts the World League tournament. Are you watching the matches? What do you think about the new system? Do you have any favorites?
– I was on the first game in Italy which took place in Modena, I’ve seen a few other games in TV. Personally, I liked much more the last year’s formula and probably it took a step back changing it because of thinking that the long journeys are too tiring for the players which influences on the quality of the game.
– My favorite is Brazil which plays well even in spite of this that in the team were some changes, its structure remained almost intact. It’s totally different when we talk about Russia. It is certainly still a strong team, although very changed. Also, the Italians are trying to rejuvenate the squad and that is why they’re suffer.
– As far as Poland is at the beginning of the season, it might be hard. However, if the the best players, like Kurek, for who the last year in Moscow was very difficult, regain their shape, it can be a fantastic ending.
source: siatka.org
