Pavel Abramov (29) is one of the stars in Iskra Odintsovo. Since 2002 he has been collecting medals with the Russian national team, but he is still dreaming of the most important one the Gold medal from Olympics.
Pavel Abramov (29) is playing side by side with Russian and world famous stars of volleyball in Iskra Odintsovo. Iskra Odintsovo is at the top of Russian Championship for many years, also Odintsovo is one of the richest volleyball clubs in the world.
Before you signed a contract with Iskra Odintsovo, you played in the Japanese league for two years. What do you think about your journey to the East Asia?
I think of my stay in Japan warmly. I have really like the country and the people, whom I have met there. I was really impressed by the sympathy that the Japanese feel for foreigners. Moreover which was very special for me they really like the Russian. The conditions for volleyball practice in Japan are perfect, although their league can't compete with the sporting level even with Russia. Despite this, I think that playing in Japan was a valuable and learning experience. I always enjoy going back to that country, I like playing there.
How would you compare the game level of the Russian league before leaving for Japan to the present one?
When I was coming to Japan, our league weren't as strong as now. However, in the last few years, the level of Superleague has improved greatly. At present our league is much stronger than it was a few years ago. The financial conditions are incomparable better now, and many class players from abroad have appeared in our team lately .
Do you think the Russian league can now compete, with regard to reputation and sporting level, with, still considered the best, the Italian Serie A1?
With regard to the level of these leagues, it is difficult for me to compare them, because I have never played in Italy. I do, however, know it a little, from what my friends have told me, and I know that the level of Italian teams is high and very even. As Giba once told me when you going to a game, you never know whether you will be able to return victorious, even if you were playing with the last team from the ranking. But this season, our team has really come close to the Italian one. I think that the level of the Superleague teams has really come even this season, there are many strong teams which have to be accounted with. The Italian league differs from the Russian one, most of all, by the level of the employed coaches. We are still a little behind with that. At present, many club coaches still come from the old times, who have worked all their lives in some club and still do. The world greatest coaches work in Italy. They are contracted for a limited time, which I think, is a very important factor contributing to the high level of their league.
The present Iskra coach Zoran Gajić, is a very good professional. You have already, met him when he was the coach of the Russian national team. Unfortunately he didn't achieve the expected success. How is it to work with him in the club?
Zoran is Zoran. He doesn't change. Whether it's the club or the national team, he is always the same. Like any other coach, he has his favourite schemes, methods. The only difference is that trainings and preparing for matches in the club and in the national team are somewhat different. I am pleased with our co-operation.
Aren't you afraid of your position in the Russian national team? In one of your interviews you said, that coach Alenko doesn't trust your abilities. We could see that during the World Cup, when you spent a lot of time on the bench.
My place in the national team depends on the coach and as a player I have to simply accept his decisions. I can only say, that if I am needed, I will never refuse to play with the national team.
When do you plan to end your career?
I can tell you this: the later the better! It is not time to think about it yet. I have many plans for the future and we will see what comes out of them. I dream of a great triumph with the Russian national team, of course the best would be at the Olympic Games. That is my number one aim. Maybe I will decide to go abroad again. Travelling and playing in other leagues is not just a great volleyball adventure, but also a way to obtain sporting and life experience, learning about new countries and cultures.
Are you attracted by the perspective to try your strength in the Italian Serie A1?
It's not out of the question that I may play there, perhaps in the near future. I have already had a few propositions from the Serie A, but I haven't been able to take advantage of them yet. But if a good offer appears again, it is very likely, that I will consider it seriously. Anyway, Italy is not the only option for the future. Maybe I will have a chance to play in Japan again, maybe I will try in Poland…
Would you like to play in our Polish league in the future too?
Why not? I think that I would enjoy playing in your country. I know that your league is becoming more and more stronger, and the contracts with players are higher. Additionally, I like the atmosphere prevailing in Polish volleyball, I also like your country.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to rest listening to music. I am a jazz fan, I have also started to listen to rock, espeially hits by The Doors or Nirvana.
I have heard that you greatly value films by the Polish director Roman Polański.
That's true. Maybe I haven't seen many of his films, but I remember The Pianist and Chinatown. I enjoyed both of them very much, especially The Pianist. I think it's a beautiful movie.
To finish our conversation, please tell me about the change, that took place in your personal life a few months ago.
Last year on the 24th of August my daughter was born. Her name is Alexandra, she is very pretty. Every time when I go away, I miss her very much. My daughter's birth was a turning point in my life. My life has changed for the better since then, I have become a fulfilled and happy man. I have changed my values and my view of life has changed. Now I know that it isn't just about volleyball any more.
Achievements of Pavel Abramov:
World League winner (2002)
European League winner (2005)
World Championships silver medalist (2002)
European Championships silver medalist (2005)
Olympic Games bronze medalist (2004)
Two-time European bronze medalists (2001, 2003)
Two-time World League bronze medalist (2001, 2006)
Two-time Russian Superleague bronze medalist (2002, 2006)
