Volley – Semeniuk launches Perugia: “Zero pressure, we want to win everything”

From the World podium with Poland to the trophy hunt with Perugia. Kamil Semeniuk is used to the pressure and has shown it in these first four games by becoming one of the best in Anastasi’s service right away. He did not disappoint the Polish spiker arrived in place of Anderson. Twenty-six years old, a world silver and a European bronze (both won by Italy), he comes from Zaksa, the team of Kędzierzyn-Koźle, his city, with whom he won two Champions League in a row. Tomorrow with Civitanova (advance of the eleventh) is already a big match. And then on October 31 and November 1 there is the Super Cup in Cagliari. With Perugia suffered four victories.

Are you satisfied with your Super League debut?

“The first time I was very excited, now I am already very comfortable with my teammates. As for me, I am never satisfied with my performance, there is always something to file. But I’m happy because with me on the pitch the team has always won ”.

Perugia is already alone first and everyone gives it as a favorite.

“Yes we have won all the games, we have managed to stay focused and we have scored important points in a championship like the Superlega. But we are only at the beginning, anything can happen, we remain focused and look forward to the next commitment ”.

You have won two Champions in a row with Zaksa. You know that Perugia is very ambitious and the Champions League is one of its main objectives. Do you feel the pressure?

“I won it twice, why not the third with Perugia? Actually the pressure is the same, they are clubs that want to win any competition, it doesn’t change much for me. We are a team with great players but individualities are not enough, we must become a group ”.

How do you feel with Giannelli? Did you play against it in the World Cup, is it what you expected?

“He is a great player, he likes to work and I really appreciate that. He was MVP of the World Championship and won the gold medal but he doesn’t get his head and tries to give 100% in training and in competition. I am happy to have the opportunity to play with him. We need time to find the rhythm, that’s normal. Match after match you can see the improvements ”.

Did you feel the pressure of expectations at the World Cup?

“As soon as it became known that the World Cup was going to be played in Poland everyone started putting pressure on us and telling us that we were favorites. But we knew that the team had changed and for us every medal was a great result. It is obvious that when we reached the final we wanted to win but honestly we didn’t have a chance: Italy was better in every position. But we are happy with the silver medal ”.

The coach Anastasi spent many years in Poland. Did he help you by giving you advice on the league and life in Italy?

“Yes, it helped me a lot at the beginning when I arrived in Perugia. She explained to me what the Superlega is like. He knows me from PlusLiga (the Polish league, ed) and so we understood each other quickly. Actually I want to thank him and all the people who are helping me in this period of acclimatization ”.

You have almost always played for your hometown team. How does it feel to go out of Poland to a new team for the first time?

“When I decided to come to Perugia I was worried and at first also when I arrived. But as I said everyone helped me and are ready to answer all my questions. Is fantastic. The next goal is to learn Italian as well as Plotnytckyi. I know he has been here for many years but he is important ”.

The public of Perugia also welcomed you well.

“They are fantastic, very passionate and always follow us closely”.

Were you able to see something of Italy?

“With my girlfriend who came with me and this also helps, we have already been to Assisi and in the center of Perugia. I don’t see football much but I know that Perugia has the team in Serie B and when possible I would like to go and see a match ”.