Listen to the stars, Panathinaikos internationals Pawel Zagumny and Guillaume Samica!

News from the clubs

Athens, Greece, January 29, 2010. Panathinaikos ATHENS is still in full contention for the National League and Greek Cup and after a very tough preliminary round will continue the campaign in the CEV Indesit Champions League with a double match-up against Dinamo MOSCOW of Russia in the Playoffs 12. These are very important results that definitely stress the devotion of the local officials and players who turned some difficulties in the pre-season into real motivation and additional strength.
With the Champions League enjoying a short break, European champion Pawel Zagumny and France’s Guillaume Samica - who both joined Panathinaikos for the 2009/2010 season – agreed upon sharing their impressions and feelings in a very captivating and interesting interview. Special thanks are to be addressed to Penny Rontogianni, local Press Officer, who personally contributed this chat with the local superstars.

How would you describe your experience in the CEV Indesit Champions League?
Zagumny: It is very exciting and I am very happy with our results in the prelims.
Samica: It is an interesting, difficult and amazing competition! After the many international competitions that I joined with the French national team, the Champions League still maintains a very peculiar flavor.

Do you regret that you did not have this chance in the previous seasons?
Zagumny: No, I do not have any special regrets. I always play with my national team at all top international competitions. I had also the chance to play both the CEV and Challenge Cup. But I think the name – Champions League – in a way already makes the difference…
Samica: I also have no regrets since I simply did not have that chance in the past seasons. It is not that easy to compete at the same time in the National League, National Cup and European Cups. The schedule is so packed and demanding but I am very happy, we really have a very good team and we go on pretty well with each other. So… this is really an exciting moment for me and my Volleyball career!

Do you believe that Panathinaikos can reach the Final Four this year?
Zagumny: This is a difficult question. We played really strong in the prelims except for the match against VfB FRIEDRICHSHAFEN. We had 4 victories in our pool but we still expect more to come! To qualify for the finals we have first to win against Dinamo MOSCOW and after that we’ll play Zenit KAZAN or our rivals of Olympiacos PIRAEUS. I think that if we stay focused, we can have a shot at the finals.
Samica: It is my objective! I think that if we perform at our best, we can defeat any opponent. We are going to do our best and try to cruise to the finals.

Which are – in your opinion – the teams that will make it to the Final Four in Lodz?
Zagumny: For sure TRENTINO BetClic will qualify for the finals. I see very good chances also for Zenit KAZAN but they will have to cope with Panathinaikos along their way! Also another Italian team, Lube Banca Marche MACERATA, if the guys there are in good shape, should not have too many troubles to clinch a spot for the finals.
Samica: I prefer not to think about that for the moment. I hope Panathinaikos will make it and if not, then Dinamo MOSCOW. I also suppose that TRENTINO and FRIEDRICHSHAFEN may join the finals in Poland.

Is there any special message you would like to convey to all Volleyball die-hard fans?
Zagumny: A very simple one. Come to the gym to see Volleyball matches because it is much better than football!
Samica: For all of you the Champions League is a unique chance to see the very best Volleyball players in action. So, do not miss this opportunity!