the interview
Daniele Santarelli, how did the agreement with the Serbian Federation to train the women’s national team come about?
It all happened in about ten days. The proposal came from them and was added to others that I had received or sought for other national teams, such as Poland, after deciding to conclude the collaboration with Croatia. It was a very eventful time for me. Serbia was the last to come out, and I didn’t expect it ».
What were your first reactions and that of your wife Monica De Gennaro?
«I welcomed it enthusiastically, I had been looking for a national team that would make me make a qualitative leap for some time. Monica, as she did 4 years ago for the position in Croatia, in turn encouraged me because she knew I was aiming for a higher level. Then she realized that, when we face each other, it will not be like Italy-Croatia in the last European Championships. The emotional aspect will be the same, but the technical one will be very different ».
This call from Belgrade was sudden, just as quick and unexpected the postponement of two of your matches for Covid cases, yesterday’s against Bergamo and the big match in Novara on Sunday.
«Yesterday’s rapid swabs revealed some cases in the team group, fortunately few, but enough to make us stop. This complicates our work and programming. Small consolation: on Sunday I will be able to watch my Milan against Juve ».
The contract runs until 2025 and includes the October World Cup, the 2023 European Championships and the Paris Olympics. What can be added?
“I signed it on Tuesday. The Serbian Federation wanted to tighten the times, because it already had clear ideas. We had already talked about Terzic in Russia for a while, but my negotiation has remained unknown to almost everyone. I thank my Croatian friends who, although it may seem strange in the Balkan context, have spoken very highly of me. Everything goes back ».
What do you leave to the red and white national team who will be led by Akbas, Eczacibasi coach?
«I think I made it grow, leaving not only an idea of volleyball, but something more. If you want to be among the best, you have to change the game, but first of all the mentality. Working hard pays off, and 5 Croatians have arrived in A1, one of them is Butigan, a splendid girl. I wish the national team a lot of luck, to which I will always remain attached, because it was my first ».
The legacy is heavy. World champion gold, European silver, Olympic bronze are just the latest successes of Serbia. What do we start from?
«Being the first foreign coach is a difficult challenge and Terzic marked an era. I can only get worse (jokes, ed). Who wouldn’t aim to coach such a team? There are many risks, but my dream of being able to aim for the medals that matter and for the Olympics comes true. I would like to bring Stevanovic and Veljkovic back, I will join young experts Ognjenovic and Boskovic. Without upsetting the team I would like to strengthen the reception and the crushers, involving them more ».
You in Serbia, Lavarini in Poland, Guidetti in Turkey, Fenoglio in Slovakia, Bonitta in Slovenia… Are you “colonizing” Europe?
«The Italian technicians are prepared, they all study, they all apply themselves, and the other countries recognize this. Italian volleyball is a model. We will talk about the details of my staff with the Serbian managers when we go away for the Champions League in a couple of weeks ».
You know the Italian public well, as an opponent the Turkish and the Serbian. What do you expect?
«I have already tasted the atmosphere of the European final in Belgrade. I find the environment already very stimulating, because all of Serbia supports the national team and the volleyball movement. I also admired their support in the friendlies ».
And Conegliano?
«Conegliano is my home and I would never have left it to go to a national team. All the managers of the Imoco were aware of the negotiation and supported me in the choice. I also received the compliments of Mazzanti. My mother is also happy, she was incredulous ». –
MIRCO CAVALLIN
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