– I believe that with the arrival to Turkey so numerous volleyball players also will increase the sports level of a Turkish championship – said Matey Kaziyski.
Many players say that winning the Italian championship is more difficult and more important than winning the Champions League. And how is it in Turkey?
Matey Kaziyski: – As for Turkey, it is difficult for me to say because I’m here few months (smile). We already have a review of this competition, we know what to expect, but we don’t know everything yet. It’s true that we won the SuperCup at the beggining of the season, but the fight for the championship finals is still ahead of us. However, I can say that the league is pretty balanced, all teams bravely fight in every match. Of course, there are some teams which are at the top of classification and are a bit stronger and among them are we, at least the first part of the league.
Miljkovic said that players choose the Turkish league mainly because the clubs offer them high contracts. Would you agree with this opinion?
– Money is one of the most important factors, especially that currently volleyball is developing and there’s demand on volleyball. There are many clubs at different levels of the organization and the money, with no doubt, attract many players. However, I believe that with the arrival to Turkey so numerous volleyball players, form whom many play at a high international level, also will increase the sports level of a Turkish championship.
Halkbank is called the “dream team”. Your biggest adventage is that so many of you know each other Itas?
– (Laughs) This fact is certainly very important and helpful. Sure, this is our strength, because we don’t need to put up as much work to build the main part of the team. We have developed a system, we know it well, everyone feels good with that. Anyway that’s not all, because in the team not only we play but also a few other players, besides some realities have changed. For this style of play that worked out, playing in Itas, the other players, who played in Halkbank earlier, have to get used to. It takes some time – we all had to find a common language.
And how do you feel you are in Turkey?
– I find myself here well, thank you. Turkey is a very interesting country, very open – it isn’t closed to foreigners. It is true that initially, due to this fact it was a bit confusing, but with time we all found here well and we feel very comfortable here. Food also suits us! (laughs) It’s great, you can eat really well here, which is also very important thing (laughs). Turkey, with everything that this country offers us, is good not only for me, but for all of us who have moved here. We all really like being here and we are pleased with the local conditions of life.
You’re one of the players who have already won everything they could. Do you still feel desire to win something more?
– Yes, especially now, when I changed the club. I want, all five of us (Kaziyski, Juantorena, Raphael, Tzourits and Stoychev – ed.) want to re-prove how much we are worth and strong. We all need to be, and we are, very focused on this goal. I approach to this with a respect and some anxiety, because it’s not so easy to change the place, the club and start the tournament, championship, playing at a high level and to win everything. This, however, very motivates me to working, is an impulse to training, and makes me feel even more respect for others.
source: siatka.org
