Ekaterina Antropova interview: Scandicci at the World Cup, let’s play and have fun

Finalists in the Champions League last season, Savino Del Bene Scandicci finds itself participating in the Club World Cup for the first time ever in its history. In Brazil the Tuscan team will be led, at least on the pitch, by its star, Ekaterina Antropova, who played an incredible first part of the season, as all the numbers concerning her demonstrate.

Olympics, World Cup, championship, Champions League, now this Club World Cup, have you ever managed to stop in the last two years, even just for a moment?

“We had very little time to take a break objectively, just three weeks after the Olympics, where I also managed to return to Russia. This year I had a week’s holiday before the start of the preseason. But then the girls from Conegliano, for example, also did the same. It’s something feasible to play so much and it’s possible to do it even at a very high level. After all, it’s also beautiful, because these are all competitions that enrich you. I also see a lot of changes in my way of playing, thanks to all the experiences I’m having.”

What does the Club World Cup represent for you and your club?

“Another very important milestone, both for me and for the club. Being able to add something every year as we have always done, from participation in the Challenge Cup to this: another enormous satisfaction. One step at a time along a path of which I have always been part.”

Are you going to Brazil with what objective on the field?

“The Club World Cup is one of the first objectives of the season, let’s go and play it and have fun. I’ll leave the predictions to others, I can say that we know we can do well. It will certainly be another wonderful experience.”

Last year, much of the team’s offensive weight fell on his shoulders. Do you see a more complete Savino this year?

“Definitely. Now there is also Skinner who has a huge load in attack and is able to express himself well. Then we play a lot with the central defenders. There are many changes available to the coach and we have a complete team. We have had the opportunity to try different formations and the Club World Cup, which will be demanding, will give us the opportunity to make other changes.”

There is always the same step left to take to achieve consecration: beat Conegliano. What are you missing to overcome this obstacle?

“In my opinion we shouldn’t do anything different than usual, to what we do in every match. We shouldn’t overdo it or change the game, it would be a mistake on our part if we did. We need to be aware of our potential, put our usual level on the field, I’m not saying it’s enough, but it’s already a good starting point.”

Has anything changed for you after all the victories and recognitions obtained?

“I hope not, I just think they enriched me. I think one of my best qualities is that I have always remained the same.”

How are your relationships with Savino and what kind of path do you imagine for this season?

“There is a lot of affection with the club, we are in our fifth year together. We have already finished the first round of the championship, but there are many things to do. Now let’s think about traveling and taking one step at a time.”

Do you feel like a character at the center of attention? Without going into specifics, what do all the market rumors regarding you make you think?

“Honestly they make me think that I need to focus on my job and do what I’m capable of doing well. Stop.”

Do you have a dream you would like to realize? On and off the pitch, I mean.

“Returning to the Olympics after having already gone and won them. It’s a fantastic experience that I would absolutely like to repeat. Outside of volleyball, however, I haven’t thought about it yet, I have time to do it.”