In the quarter-finals of the Italian Men's Volleyball League playoffs, Ishikawa Yuki's Milan team faced Piacenza on Wednesday, March 6th (local time) and won 3-2 (20-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 15-10).
After the match, we spoke to Yuki Ishikawa's teammate, Ferre Regers (opposite, Belgium).
Interview with Ferre Regers
TOSHIKI: How was your first playoff match in Italy?
Regels: This is my first season in Italy, so of course it's my first time in the playoffs. It felt a little different from a normal game. We played very well today. Of course, Piacenza played well too. There were times when we couldn't stop them. But we had those times too. The whole team was full of energy and enthusiasm, and that didn't change until the end.
The fifth set could have gone either way, but I felt like we could do it right away in the beginning of the fifth set. We need to play with this confidence because we've shown throughout the season and today that we are a really good team and that we can perform well on the court.
TOSHIKI: Your individual performance was also very good, but what was the reason for your success?
Regels: I'm full of energy and I've been playing with confidence for the past three weeks. I think the most important thing in high-level sports is to play with confidence and to believe in yourself and your team. I think we were able to win because everyone on the court believed in themselves and their teammates.
Toshiki: How has it been so far in the Italian League?
Regers: I love it. In my opinion, the Italian League is the best and most beautiful league in the world. So I'm really happy to be here and to be able to play here for another three years. My experience in Italy and in Milan has been amazing.
TOSHIKI: What kind of player is Yuki Ishikawa to you?
Regels: I have learned so much from Yuki. Not only on the court but also off the court. He has a lot of experience in volleyball and in life, and he is always very humble, polite and friendly. I don't know how to say it in English, but I think it's "altruistic" and he gives everything to the team. He is never selfish. I think it's great to have a player like him on the team. Of course, Yuki is a great player as we all know, and we can't deny that.
Toshiki: What are your goals for this season?
Regels: To win. We all want to win. Athletes want to win every game they play. It's not easy and we know it may never happen, but that's the goal. It's what I think every time I step on the court, no matter who the opponent is.
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