The volleyball players from Allianz MTV Stuttgart are outsiders in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the volleyball champions league against Novara.
Allianz MTV Stuttgart has had the most successful Champions League season in club history to date. That can already be seen before the upcoming games against Novara – regardless of the outcome of the first leg on March 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Stuttgart and the second leg a week later in Italy. To finish a CL preliminary round as a group winner – that was also a novelty for the internationally always present club from Stuttgart.
“We certainly didn’t expect to come out of the group stage as the group’s first,” said sporting director Kim Oszvald-Renkema in an interview with SWR Sport. After victories over teams like Fenerbahce Istanbul, a top address in European volleyball, and the Polish leaders LKS Lodz, this is now a certainty. Nevertheless, the Bundesliga leaders are not going into the upcoming quarter-finals as favorites.
Stuttgart wants to seize every opportunity
Nevertheless, nobody wants to hide in Stuttgart. Kim Oszvald-Renkema also confirms this: “It’s clear that Novara is the favourite. But we’ve also often shown that we can reach a very high level if we can play freely.” The team around captain Maria Segura achieved such a high level in the group home games against Lodz and Istanbul, for example. “If we can bring such a performance again, it will be an exciting affair,” hopes the sporting director.
Full support from the sidelines: Kim Oszvald-Renkema.
An increase in performance will be necessary compared to the dress rehearsal against Erfurt. The lackluster performance in the 3-0 win against the penultimate table in the Volleyball Bundesliga on Saturday was also due to a few changes. A personal castling, which could still pay off in the future. “We have a very tight program with the Champions League, we knew that beforehand. It’s important that we can change a lot,” says Oszvald-Renkema and also refers to the English weeks, which now include international appearances and the playoffs come to the Swabians. The broad and balanced squad could be a key for the decisive weeks at national and international level.
Crystal Rivers as a key?
One player who only played a set and a half on Saturday was Krystal Rivers. Head coach Tore Aleksandersen was unwilling to take chances with his diagonal striker, who recently renewed her contract. Because the Norwegian knows that against the Italians from Piedmont, his star attacker is once again important. The American with a special story is essential for the attacking game of the Stuttgart women.
If the multiple “most valuable player” of the group stage finds her game, then Allianz MTV Stuttgart can annoy the big opponents. That’s what happened when Lodz and Istanbul were defeated in the home arena. Rivers scored 31 and 25 points respectively. “Krystal will play a very important role as always, she is obviously our points collector,” said Kim Oszvald-Renkema. Rivers’ counterpart for the Italians is Ebrar Karakurt. The Turk (born 2000) is the outstanding player for Igor Gorgonzola Novara, she has scored 133 times in six games. As a rule, when the Italians have time to sort themselves, the ball goes to Karakurt. And then it could be a long evening for Stuttgart’s defense. Accordingly, according to Oszvald-Renkema, the German representative must put pressure on Novara’s acceptance with bold surcharges. “That’s our main focus,” said the Dutchwoman.
anticipation of the opponent
The anticipation could already be felt after the win against Erfurt. The club and the fans are looking forward to the duel against the fourth in the Italian league, the arena will probably be sold out. Twice Stuttgart’s volleyball players were already in the last eight of the premier class – twice it was the end of the line against Italian clubs. Among others against Novara, when they lost 3-1 and 2-3 in 2018/2019. And despite the history, the Stuttgart warehouse was very satisfied with the lot. “We wanted to play against an Italian team. It’s just great to be able to play against such a world-class team from Italy and that’s why we’re really looking forward to the quarter-finals,” said Kim Oszvald-Renkema ahead of the game.
The middle blocker and ex-Italy legionnaire Marie Schölzel sees it similarly. “The game will be a big challenge, but we had time to prepare. We will do everything we can to make the possible dream of victory come true if we get the chance,” she is quoted as saying on the club’s website. Maybe the sensation will succeed and Allianz MTV will create a good starting position for the second leg in order to then make the historic first semi-finals in the CEV Champions League.
Stuttgart has already defeated Novara
After all, Stuttgart already knows what a win against Novara feels like. In the group phase 2019/2020 there was a 3-1 draw in front of a home crowd. “We’ll do everything we can to put the Italians under as much pressure as we can on Tuesday in front of a full hut,” promises Oszvald-Renkema.
