Idman.biz
Marqarita Stepanenko, a volleyball player of the Azerbaijani national team, has had a fairly colorful career. After playing in the championships of Poland, Turkey, Russia, Hungary, and Israel in different years, she returned to Baku and will spend the new season at UNEC.
In an interview with Idman.biz, Stepanenko talked about her new motivation, expectations from the European Championship, and bright moments of past years.
- You finished the season as a champion with the Israeli club "Maccabi Ashdod", but you could not join the national team in the European Golden League due to a leg injury. My first question is related to this - has your injury healed?
- Yes, I spent the season in Israel, my leg was sprained in the last game of the final. As a result, the ligaments were torn, I returned to Baku, and it took me a month and a half to recover. At first, I didn't know how to react, because it was the first such injury in my career. Now everything is fine and I feel good. I train in the gym and prepare for the season.
- How was the off-season break in Baku? Was it possible to rest and recharge?
- I can say that it was great. I devoted enough time to myself, my family, and other issues. I spent this time usefully. I am in Baku now and trying to get in shape.
- The qualifying round of the European Championship, which Azerbaijan will also host, has ended. What are your expectations for the upcoming tournament?
- Now the main excitement and expectations are related to the new season. I can answer this question more fully when the preparation for the European Championship starts. However, I have great expectations from the tournament to be held at home – we want to regain our previous form, demonstrate quality play and delight the fans. The European Championship held in Baku in 2017 was memorable for its excellent organization, and the team took fourth place. I believe that the result will not be weak next year either.
- Our national team is not currently in the elite of European volleyball, but playing at home is an advantage. How far can you go in the tournament?
- First, we need to wait for the draw and see who we will play in the same group with. If we prepare well and the strongest players are in the squad, we can achieve success. Playing at home should help us.
- What were the most memorable moments of last season?
- Of course, winning the Israeli championship with "Maccabi Ashdod". In the final, we faced "Hapoel Kfar Saba", to whom we lost 2:3 in the decisive match of the national cup. That's why we came to the final very motivated and winning the final series 3:0 was very memorable.
- Have you decided where you will continue your career?
- Yes, I have returned to Azerbaijan. I will play for UNEC in Baku. I received an offer from the club and I am very happy to join them. I felt a professional approach and I am happy to be at UNEC.
- You have played in Greece, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Azerbaijan. Which period of your career is the most memorable?
- Of course, the Greek championship - then we won both the national league and the national cup with "Panathinaikos" in one season. After 13 years, the club won two cups and the fan support was incredible. I also remember the time when I played in the Russian league for "Minchanka". Then the team made it to the top 6 for the first time and eventually took fifth place. This was a significant event both in "Minchanka" and in my career.
- What are your goals for the new season?
- I have signed a contract with the young UNEC team and they have great ambitions. I want to realize them together with the team, show good and quality play. Since I returned to Azerbaijani volleyball, to my country, after eight years, I want to achieve good results.
Zaki Feyzullayev
Idman.biz
