Yuki Ishikawa: "It was a lot of fun" - His 20 goals that led Perugia to the European Championship and his review of the season [Interview with the Champions League Volleyball Champion]

Looking back on this season: "There were definitely games where a loss meant it was all over"

Toshiki: This long season has finally come to an end. This season started with winning the Supercoppa and receiving the MVP award, and after going through various difficulties in between, it ended with winning the Champions League. How do you feel looking back on this season as a whole?

Ishikawa: We lost in the semi-finals of the Italian Coppa Italia and Scudetto (domestic league), so that was something we should have reflected on. But in the end, we were able to win the Champions League, and as for the Champions League, it was a competition that Perugia had never won before, and I think they put a lot of effort into this season, so I'm very happy that we were able to win there.

As for this season, I think I had fewer opportunities to play in games compared to last season, but I always played in games where losing meant the end. This included playing because a player on my team got injured or something like that. So I think the experience I got from that was very valuable, and I want to make the most of this experience and have a good time in order to get stronger.

On next season: "I haven't thought about it yet"

Toshiki: I heard that you will be playing for Perugia next season as well.

Ishikawa: Yes.

Toshiki: If you had to state your goal for next season, what would it be?

Ishikawa: Well, that's true. The ideal would be to win every tournament, but I think it's best to just take each game one at a time. I don't know what the members will be like next season, so I'm just going to take it easy and not think about it yet. I'll also have the national team, so I'll take a good rest and get started on the national team.

On this year's national team activities: "I want to rebuild the team's foundation once again"

Toshiki: Finally, please say a few words about this year's national team activities.

Ishikawa: We will be in a new system, so I think the start is important. We also have the Nations League and the World Championships, so I think it will be an important period to make good preparations and build a good team. Of course, people around us will expect results, but first I want to rebuild the foundation of the team.

Photo: CEV, TOSHIKI