The first match of the CEV Cup final between Rzeszow (Poland) and Ziratbank Ankara (Turkey) was held in Poland on Wednesday, April 2nd. After a fierce full-set battle, Ziratbank won 3-2 (25-27, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 19-17). After the match, we spoke with Ziratbank's OH Matthew Anderson (USA), who was named MVP with 28 points, the most for both teams, and he made a shocking confession.
Read the full interview below.
T: Congratulations on your victory! It was a very close match, how did it go looking back?
Anderson: Yes, it was a really good match. My opponent played really well and we had some tough moments, but I think it was good that we were able to stay calm in the important moments, especially at the end of the fifth set. I think we played our best and I'm very happy that we were able to do that.
T: What do you think was the difference between the two teams?
Anderson: It was really small things. Like where the ball went and bounced. Especially the last serve, it hit the net and luckily fell off, it was a point and we won. But we were in good position and we had a really good side-out percentage in the fifth set. Well, I think we did well throughout the match. I think that kept the pressure on them.
T: This is your second season in Türkiye, how is it going so far?
Anderson: We're doing really well. We finished the regular season in first place, so now we have a break in the domestic league and can focus on the CEV Cup. I think we'll be in good shape for the playoffs. We'll face Arcas in the semi-finals, and they're the only team we've lost to multiple times this season, so it'll be a tough battle. But we're ready. We're ready to fight.
T: Do you watch any Japanese games?
Anderson: A little bit. Sometimes I wake up early and check what's going on in Japan. I have some coaches and teammates from the U.S. national team in Japan, so I keep an eye on how they're doing. I'm looking forward to going to Japan next season.
T: Eh, you're going to Japan next season?
Anderson: Yes, that's right. I'm going to play in the XXX (self-imposed restriction) of the SV League. I'm really looking forward to it, and my family is really looking forward to it too. I think it's a great opportunity to be with my family throughout the season. It's always been my dream to play in Japan, so I'm really happy that I got the chance. Of course, I think there's a lot of pressure in terms of my role, but I want to enjoy it, including that.
Anderson is an American player and a multi-player who can play both outside hitter and opposite hitter.
As a member of the U.S. National Team, he has won numerous medals, including two Olympic bronze medals (2016, 2024), one World Championship bronze medal (2018) and one World League championship (2014). As a club player, he has won four consecutive European Champions League titles (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18) as well as domestic titles in Russia, Turkey and Italy.
Although he is a veteran who will turn 38 this year, his play shows no signs of slowing down. With big names coming to Japan, the SV League next season is sure to be even more exciting. Please wait for the official announcement to find out which team he will be transferred to.
Photo: CEV, TOSHIKI
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