The men's and women's finals of the European Volleyball Champions League were held in Turin (Italy) on Saturday, May 20th local time, and in the women's competition, Vakıfbank (Turkey) defeated Ecizacibasi (Turkey) 3-1 (27-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17) to win their second consecutive title.
After the match, Wakfubank captain Gabi Guimaraes (Brazil) gave us a comment.
Congratulations on winning the championship for the second time in a row! What does this achievement mean to you?
Gabi: It's very special. It's our second victory in a row, but both finals have a different and special feeling. It was more different from last season in terms of the whole season. This season, we faced a lot of adversity, contrary to the high expectations of those around us. But I think the various difficulties we overcame were for today's victory. Those difficulties made us stronger and more hungry to win. And today, I think everyone here saw how hungry we were, believing in each other. We always say that it's really hard to beat us when we play like one family, helping each other. When we play like this, it doesn't matter who we're playing against. It's amazing. Of course, I want to praise our opponent, Eczacibas. What they've done this season was really amazing, and I'm very impressed. Also, playing against Boskovic (Eczacibas' ace) was very difficult. In that sense, I think we did a good job today. And I'm very happy! I can't wait to celebrate with everyone!
-About the national team. Gabi will probably not be able to play in the Nagoya tournament in the first week of the Nations League, but after that the Brazilian women's national team will be competing in the Olympic qualifiers in Japan. Please tell us about playing in Japan and your message to the Japanese fans.
Gabi: Unfortunately I will not be participating in the first week of the tournament. Although my club season ended a little late, I love Japan and will be playing there for the Olympic qualifiers. I am looking forward to playing in Japan because the Japanese fans are amazing. I know the Japanese fans love volleyball and Japan is one of my favorite places in the world to play. Maybe I will play one season with a Japanese club. You never know what the future holds (laughs). Anyway, I love Japan and can't wait to go and play there this year. Thank you to all the fans and their support.
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