Comments by coach and players of Dinamo-Ak Bars KAZAN before the tour in Poland.

Sergey Sikachev, assistant coach of Dinamo-Ak Bars KAZAN:

“It is good we face strong rivals in the Championship and the games are tense. It is good because we are going to face still more serious matches in the future. Today, our goal is to solve our problems, improve the quality of our playing. We are in for a long tour: first a match with Zarechye in Odintsovo, then a trip to Poland. There we are going to try to improve our position in the Champions League. I believe we still have chances to do so. Because every chance must be fought for! I hope we will manage to do it.”

Irina Koroleva, middle blocker of Dinamo-Ak Bars KAZAN:

“We keep thinking about the coming second round of the Champions League during the several recent rounds of the championship, as the games in Italy surely left a bitter aftertaste. So we, undoubtedly, are striving for a revenge, we are striving for a good game in Poland!”

Anna Podkopaeva, libero of Dinamo-Ak Bars KAZAN:

“I think we are much stronger now than we were during the first round of the Champions League. We have played a lot, and we have gained some confidence after the victory in the Russian Cup. Of course, I hope we will show a worthy volleyball in Poland.

The results of the first round were probably due to the lack of team-work. Before that, many of our players had been injured. Sure, when you come out to the playground, you should forget about it and play to your full capacity. Besides, there was a difference in the speed of playing. In our championship we do not have such a speedy volleyball. What shall we do? We shall get prepared. The coaching staff will correct our playing, and we will work to play better.”