Massimo Botti: "This triumph is not a miracle, but the result of a lot of hard work" 🏆

LUK Lublin has already returned to Poland with the trophy from theChallenge Cup, won hours ago at theEurosuole Forum. Massimo Botti, however, remained in Italy:

"Obviously, I'm exhausted, but I took the opportunity to spend some time with my family. I'll be back tomorrow," he shared in a phone call with Giuliano Bindoni from the volleynews.it website. In his voice, the joy of triumph is clearly palpable.

Building a Winner

"At the beginning of last season, it was unthinkable to talk about a trophy. To succeed already in the second year - I wouldn't call it a miracle, but it's definitely surprising. This is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication."

Besides effort, the triumph is also the fruit ofstrategic transfers. In Italy, it is often said that agents play a large role in selection. Does the same happen in Poland?

"I had 100% responsibility in player selection. I had complete freedom. In Poland, as everywhere, the transfer window opens in November. We had a clear project, which we implemented in full agreement. Personally, I don't look at who the agent is; I evaluate players based on their value and the characteristics that fit our style of play. We recruited the players between November and December, and 99% of them will stay next year - a sign that we made intelligent decisions, consistent with the budget."

Principles Behind the Selection

"My main principle was for the team to be balanced in all elements. We made choices to strengthen the serve, and the balance in blocking and reception."

Leon - a planned transfer or the 'icing on the cake'?

"Wilfredo was a very pleasant surprise that we hadn't planned. It was an opportunity that arose at the end of our transfer window. We hadn't built the team around him, but when he came, we adapted our system to his qualities. As a result, we perhaps lost a little balance in some aspects, but we gained unimaginable firepower."

The style of LUK Lublin

"The biggest challenge was to build the team's identity. We are aware that we have weaknesses – we are not a team that relies on defense, but we compensate with attack. Perhaps connoisseurs of volleyball would frown watching our game. We are not Japan, we are not France, but we don't want to be. We are LUK Lublin and we play according to our principles, trying to highlight our strengths and hide our weaknesses."

Poland vs. Italy – two different championships

"Comparisons are difficult. The Polish league has 16 teams (from next season – 14), while Italy has 12. The differences are most noticeable in participation in European tournaments. The big advantage of Poland is the depth of local players – there are many volleyball players at a medium-high level, which allows teams to be competitive, even though they only have three foreigners."

Why does Poland have so many young talents?

"I'm still discovering this, but a key factor is that there are more teams, which means more opportunities for young people to play and gain experience. In addition, all teams have long rosters of 14 players who are at a similar level, which allows for greater rotation."

How do young Polish and Italian players compare?

"Physically, Polish volleyball players have an advantage. There may be a shortage of setters and liberos, but there are many strong attackers, opposites, and middle blockers."

The past in Piacenza

"I have no problem talking about it."

Who lost more from the breakup?

"It's not my job to evaluate that. Right now, I'm just enjoying the triumph. I have nothing to clarify, I bear no ill will, on the contrary – I only wish the best for Piacenza. I am from Piacenza and I will always love Piacenza."

If an opportunity arises – back to Italy?

"If an ambitious project appears, of course, I would consider it. But I don't feel forced to return at all costs."

The final against Civitanova

"They played the first two sets at an incredible level. I told my boys: 'Stay there, endure and let's see if we find an opportunity to take advantage.' We knew we were up against a top team. We sought growth throughout the season and finally took that step at the most important moment."

The empty hall during the award ceremony

"The Civitanova crowd was great until the fourth set and gave a strong boost to their team. It's a shame the hall emptied during the award ceremony – it wasn't the best gesture of sportsmanship. But nevertheless, we were still happy. We had thirty loyal fans who could be heard, and the entire club, including the president. We all hugged – it was wonderful."

photo: volleynews.it