A special event hosted by the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan took place last Thursday at the Kremlin in Kazan to set the tone and goals for the 2018-2019 campaign of Dinamo KAZAN. Later in the day, there was a press conference at Saint Petersburg Volleyball Centre, with representatives from the club meeting with media from across Tatarstan.

Last Thursday was an extremely important day for the club, because the players and coaching staff went to the Presidential Palace of the Kazan Kremlin for a solemn meeting, which has become some sort of a tradition. The initiator of this event was Asgat Safarov, the Head of Dinamo KAZAN, Executive Officer of the Republic of Tatarstan and President of the Board of Dinamo Sports and Physical Training Society. Vladimir Leonov, the Minister of Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Directors of other relevant sports agencies were present as well; this means that the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan consistently supports Dinamo KAZAN in all of their endeavours.

Asgat Safarov defined the task of Dinamo KAZAN in the 2018/2019 season: “Your goal is to succeed and to win trophies; I am not giving you any other tasks! Everything is provided: wonderful coaching staff, sustainable funding, one of the best teams of the Russian women’s national league. We understand that it is not an easy matter, because all opponents always consider the game against Dinamo KAZAN as the last battle. The Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Volleyball Federation of Tatarstan are making every effort so that your team can perform well and show fine games during the whole season. If you are fully committed to the game and play to the best of your abilities, then no competitors will represent a threat!"

Leonid Baryshev, the President and the General Sponsor of Dinamo KAZAN, strongly believes that the team will succeed: “Over the last years we created a really strong Dinamo KAZAN brand. In the old days, we were up to create a reputable club, and nowadays, we cannot afford to finish the season without any trophies. That is why early in the season we are given reasonably maximum tasks, which we strive to fulfil through personal charisma. We think big and expect that the team will succeed! And we guarantee appropriate funding for that.”

Subsequently, during the press conference, Sergey Chernyshev, the Director General of Dinamo KAZAN, agreed with the tasks given: “We agree with the tasks given to us, and as a matter of fact it is prescribed by the contracts that there are no rewards for second and third places in the tournaments we contest. We describe ourselves as a team that has to succeed. Our ten-year experience shows that we are able to succeed. Although we used to rely on our ‘superstar’ Ekaterina Gamova, today we try to create a star team, where every player can show her worth and play a key role in achieving the final result.”

Head coach Rishat Gilyazutdinov highlighted some tactics in order to succeed: “It is worth saying that we require every member of the team to be an all-around player. Besides, for sure we are not seeking to create a stable starting six. It means a lot for us to ensure turnover of players, so that we can use their abilities to the fullest. Now, we are doing our best to implement this principle; and I believe that it will be beneficial for us. We have a Volleyball court and players, but what really matters is the result. And every player should contribute to the game.”

Evgeniya Startseva, the captain of Dinamo KAZAN, stated that all team players are eager to play and strive for victory; furthermore, she evaluated the team’s chances of performing well in the Champions League: “There are no simple or second-rate groups in the Champions League. No wonder, we were ready for strong opponents. It is all in our hands! Sure thing, Eczacibasi VitrA ISTANBUL are the group favourites. They have incredibly good players; and it will be hard to play with them. But, as far as the Finnish team [HÄMEENLINNA] and Uralochka are concerned, I believe we are bound to beat them and we will progress to the quarterfinals.”