We spoke with the U.S. men's volleyball team, who were in Gdansk (Poland) for practice matches on July 20th and 21st local time. The U.S. team is in the same qualifying pool C as the Japanese team, and will play against Japan on Friday, August 2nd at 28:00 Japan time.
This time we bring you an interview with Aaron Russell, an outside hitter who played for the Japan team's JT Thunders Hiroshima until last season (the interview was conducted after the friendly match against Poland on the 21st, with Poland winning 3-2).
Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Russell: Today's match was my first match after a short break from injury. I'm happy with my performance. I think I still need a little bit of cardio to keep up with the match. But Poland is a great team and I think we played well against them. We lost a little momentum at the end, but we know what we need to improve, so we'll try to improve that in the next few days before the Olympics.
Toshiki: Your condition seems fine.
Russell: Yes, it's okay.
Toshiki: Did you watch the match between Poland and Japan yesterday?
Russell: Yes, Japan is a good team. There are a lot of good teams in the Olympics. So it will be very difficult to win. Everyone knows it's a difficult tournament, so whoever wins will be very happy.
Toshiki: Japan and the United States will face off in the final match of Pool C. What is your impression of the current Japanese team?
Russell: They are very good. We have to play our best (to win the game).
Toshiki: Who do you think is the most dangerous player?
Russell: All of them.
Toshiki: Everyone?
Russell: Yeah, all of them.
Photo: Author
[PR] "ALL for DREAM -Footsteps to Glory- Japan Volleyball National Team Nations League 2024" will be available on U-NEXT from July 27th (Sat.)
A documentary program that closely follows the unknown behind-the-scenes of the "Volleyball Nations League 2024" and traces the fierce battles will be streamed on U-NEXT.
[Distribution date and time]
July 27th (Saturday) 5pm Boys #1 Boys #2
August 3rd (Saturday) 5pm Women's #1
Saturday, August 10th 5pm Women's #2
Saturday, August 24th 5pm Men's #3
Saturday, August 31st 5pm Women's #3
September 7th (Saturday) 5pm Men's #4
Saturday, September 14th 5pm Women's #4
(Quoted from TBS TV release)
U-NEXT offers a 30-day free trial! Click the banner below to sign up!
English 
Japanese