Baku, June 11, AZERTAC
Giovanni Torchio, the new Italian head coach of the “National Aviation Academy” volleyball team, answered the questions of AZERTAC. We present that interview:
– From the new season, you will work as the head coach of the “National Aviation Academy” volleyball team. How did you get appointed to this club?
– My agent said that there is an offer from Azerbaijan. Later, we had a sincere conversation with the president of the club, Vugar Mammadov, and reached an understanding. I am a person who likes new adventures. I am very happy to be here.
– Did you know about Azerbaijani volleyball before?
– Of course, I have information about Azerbaijani volleyball. In your country, there is a specialist like Faig Garayev, who is known for his success in this sport. The women’s national team has made a very good mark with their performances in Europe under his leadership. I had several former volleyball players who played in Azerbaijan 10 years ago. They always spoke positively about your country.
– “National Aviation Academy” club was founded last season. The team took fifth place in the national championship in its first year. What will be this year’s goal?
– The Azerbaijan championship is developing again and again. No team can be successful in its first season. Because it takes time. Hard work and dedication are the keys to a successful season. We will do our best to get a place in the first “four” and qualify for the playoffs.
– Several Italian coaches worked in Azerbaijan before you. Among them is Marcello Abbondanza, who became the national champion with the Rabita team and competed in the Champions League final. When you came here, did you ask your compatriot about Azerbaijani volleyball?
– Yes, my compatriots worked here before me. They have achieved successful results here. I can mention the name of Marcello Abbondanza you mentioned. However, I have not received information from any of them. Because I always had my own ideas. I believe that my work here will be successful.
– How do you think you can make the team a champion in the new season?
– It will be difficult to become the champion in the first season. But nothing is impossible. We will do our best to win results.
– Do you think to attract Italian volleyball players to the team?
– No. Because Italian volleyball players usually like to play in their own country. It is not so easy to bring them to another championship.
– Who do you like most among the Azerbaijani volleyball players?
– I can mention the names of talented volleyball players in the Azerbaijani national team, such as Nikalina Bashnakova, Marina Abuyeva, Leyla Parshkova and Sanubar Alasgarova. You have a very good striker like Polina Rahimova. I know him from his performance in the Italian championship. The level of domestic volleyball is very high and competitive. The Federation is doing great things for the development of this sport. Our goal this season is to fight until the end against “Azerrail”. Every player and coach dreams of winning a championship at the end of the season.
– In the Azerbaijan championship, there is a team like “Azerrail” that competes for gold medals every year. Do you know how to compete with this competitor?
– I know “Azerrail” by its performance in European Cups. I know the level of this team very well. We want to challenge the best team of Azerbaijan.
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