In the second leg of the Confederation of European Volleyball (CEV) Challenge Cup quarterfinals, Monza, where Takahashi Ai plays, played against Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) on Wednesday, January 17th (local time) and won 3-0 (25-21, 25-12, 25-21). Takahashi Ai contributed to the victory with a team-high 18 points.
Interview with Ai Takahashi
T: How do you feel looking back on the match?
Takahashi: Today, we started off very well. I was a little out of shape in the last match against Modena, so it was a little difficult in terms of condition, but I was able to get myself in good shape again and play well today, so I think we played a good game that will carry over to the second half of the season.
Of course, there were times when the score was far behind, but we were able to play the kind of volleyball we wanted to play, and we had the rhythm we wanted to play, which was necessary to win, so I think we were able to play volleyball in a good way.
T: Was the face block okay?
Takahashi: It hurt, but I'm glad we scored a point (laughs).
T: How do you feel looking back on the CEV Challenge Cup so far?
Takahashi: Of course, we're playing during the (Italian league) season, so it can be physically tough, but, how should I put it, it's different from the Italian regular season and we get to play against teams from various countries, so I think it's a really good experience for me.
T: Of the countries you have visited so far, which was your favorite?
Takahashi: That's true... Ah, but Portugal was great. Lisbon. But all the places I went to were great, like Athens (Greece) and Sofia (Bulgaria), so I really went to the capitals and everywhere was beautiful.
T: I think the intensity of the Challenge Cup matches will increase from now on, so please say a few words as we look ahead to the final.
Takahashi: That's right. Of course, this is my first time playing against them, so I don't know how we'll play, but I think the most important thing to win is to play our own volleyball well no matter who we play, so I'd like to make sure I prepare well for that.
T: Finally, regarding the Coppa Italia final at the end of this month, first of all, congratulations on advancing to the semi-finals.
Takahashi: Thank you.
T: How are you feeling right now?
Takahashi: I'm looking forward to it. This is my first time in the Coppa Italia, so winning here and going to the semi-finals is a good experience for me, and I think I'll be able to do it with a good sense of tension. Our opponent will be Trento (Trentino), but I think the meaning of what we've done this season lies in how well we can fight against a strong opponent and whether we can win here, so I want to show how much we've grown there.
T: Fans are looking forward to seeing the Japanese team in the finals.
Takahashi: That's true (laughs). It would be great if that could come true, but first I want to do my best to win the first match and the semi-finals.
Photo: Author
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