BR Volleys ahead of premier class: "Must win home games"
The Berlin Volleys are competing in the Volleyball Champions League for the twelfth year in a row - and are facing difficult tasks. The German champions go into their first group match of the season on Thursday (7.30 pm) at home against Sporting Lisbon as clear favorites. But managing director Kaweh Niroomand warns against the opponents: "This is no walkover, but a very strong team with experienced players in the squad."
"My team is really fired up for this challenge," said Volleys coach Joel Banks. The Portuguese team only go into the four-team group as outsiders, with GSD Piacenza from Italy and Halkbank Ankara being much tougher opponents. "That's the toughest of all five groups - by a long way," says Niroomand, assessing the situation. His conclusion: "To survive there, we have to win our home games. And a win to start with would also be important for morale."
The first-placed teams from the five preliminary round groups will progress directly, while the runners-up and the best third-placed team will then determine the remaining three participants in the quarter-finals in a knockout system.
The BR Volleys already had to face Lisbon in the top flight in the 2021/22 season. The German champions won 3:1 in Portugal, but the return match was canceled due to coronavirus-related illnesses at their opponents. Much will once again depend on the form of diagonal attacker Marek Sotola, who had to take a short break from training due to a minor toe injury. Middle blocker Tobias Krick is also available again after recovering from a concussion.
The Berlin Volleys, participating in their twelfth consecutive Volleyball Champions League, aim to secure wins at home against challenging opponents like Sporting Lisbon. Triumphing in their opening match against Lisbon could boost their morale and significantly contribute to their goal of qualifying from the toughest group.
Source: www.dpa.com
