"I didn't think too much about the final, I just played as usual," "I was constantly in touch with (Japan national team coach Blanc) this season," in an interview after the first leg of the German League final

-Did Coach Blanc contact you when you were selected for the national team?

Tsuiki: That's right. I've been in constant contact this season, really from the very beginning, around November, and originally there was talk of Blanc coming to Berlin, but our schedules didn't line up, so we ended up just talking over video call. We talked a bit about the national team and stuff, and that's how I ended up joining, or rather, I was accepted.

-What did Coach Blanc expect from you when he selected you?

Tsuiki: As Blanc said at the press conference, our serves and spikes are different from those of foreign players, and there's no doubt that Ishikawa, myself, and Takahashi Ai have the most experience in that area on the national team. No matter how you look at it, we definitely have more experience than other Japanese players, so I think that's what they're looking for. Also, in terms of age, Blanc said at the press conference that they need people who are good at off-court things, so I think that's what they're looking for. There are a lot of young players, and I'm not that young on the national team anymore. I think Fukatsu's older brother was there, I think, so although it's not part of my job, I think I'm also being asked to play a role in communication or improving the team atmosphere.

-Please tell us your goals as a member of the Japanese national team this year.

Tsuiki: Of course, this doesn't just apply to me, but the whole team, but the bare minimum is to qualify for the Olympics. I think this is definitely a goal that we're all aiming for, so that's really the bare minimum. It may sound really strange, but that's all there is to it. And the bare minimum is not to lose to Iran, because I think it will probably come down to a battle with Iran for the world rankings. That's really all there is to it.

The second leg of the German League final will be held at 3:00 a.m. on May 5th, Japan time.

You can watch the match for free on the following page.
https://m.twitch.tv/spontent/home

Photo: Author, volleyball-bundesliga