Friendly hug between Javier Weber and Vladimir Alekno after the match
Lodz, Poland, December 12, 2017 – Russia’s Zenit Kazan defeated Argentina’s Personal Bolivar in straight sets in the opening match of Pool B at the FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship. The winners were pleased with their performance, but, most importantly, with the good result against a good opponent.
Vladimir Alekno, coach of Zenit Kazan: “We showed good volleyball. I like the way the team played tonight. It was not easy, but it is the beginning of the tournament.”
Maxim Mikhaylov, player of Zenit Kazan: “We played as one team today and it was the key to the victory over a very good opponent. It is the most important thing before the next games in the tournament.”
Javier Weber, coach of Personal Bolivar: “Till the 18th point we played our volleyball, but then we were lost. A month ago we lost our first setter, so we need to work with what we have. We do not have high expectations; we just want to play our best.”
Milos Nikic, player of Personal Bolivar: “Playing against the best team in the world was not easy. We had our chances, but the experience and the power of Zenit proved decisive. Tomorrow we will play our most important game here, against Skra Belchatow.”