This weekend in Kedzierzyn Kozle, four of the best womens teams in Poland will fight for the Polish Cup. For the team of Lorenzo Micelli, it will be the third time in their history they will play in the final stage of the competition.
In the history of the Polish Cup, Atom Trefl Sopot twice managed to get to the final (season 2011/2012 and 2012/2013), but twice lost against MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza. Last year, the Atomic Girls were close to the final four tournament but were eliminated in the quarterfinals. – Our club has never won the Cup before – says the coach, Lorenzo Micelli. – This fact adds an amazing motivation to our team. Obviously we are motivated enough to fight our hearts off but adding to it the idea that it could be for the first time in our history, makes is double interesting.
After eliminating Romanian Stiinta Bacau in the quarterfinals of the Cev Cup last Tuesday, girls from Sopot could only rest for a day before boarding the plane to Krakow, and after a bus to Kedzierzyn Kozle. Initially the final tournament, supposed to be played in Szczecin, which would definitely make the journey easier, but since Szczecin will organize the Champions League finals at the beginning of April, the Polish Cup final was moved to Kedzierzyn Kozle.
-We have ahead of us, one very difficult semifinal, against Budowlane Lodz – reminds Micelli. – Before we can start dreaming about the final, we have to concentrate on our first opponent. We are now in the most important part of the season. The games became real battles and the border between heaven and hell is very thin. Budowlane will also be the rival of Atom in the quarterfinal of Orlen Liga. – Theoretically playing many games against the same team is easier but we have to remember that the opponent can learn more about us – explains Micelli. – We have to be smarter and change our tactic wisely otherwise they will know what to expect. We can’t let ourselves be predictable.
Although Atom Trefl Sopot doesn’t have any reason to complain. Girls from the north of Poland, finished the regular season of Orlen Liga at the second place and also secured their position in the top four teams of the CEV CUP. – At the moment we are living our dream, we are in the middle of a wonderful time. We feel strong, we play good and we are in a very good physical condition – assures Micelli. – The team spirit is amazing and i am really happy to see my girls working so hard and enjoying the moment. I always try to give them the additional boost to let their emotions out. My players always need to remember that one silly movement during the game, can change the attitude of the team. And we always have to be ready to react in certain way.
Great results of Atom, naturally brought higher expectations towards the team. – We have definitely built the team that can fight for the most important medals, but now is the time to prove it and actually make some important results – says the italian coach a day before the first of the real tests, the polish Cup semifinal.
Anna Wiecek
twitter: @aniauk83
