Portugal feel ready for second half of Golden League following the return of their star player Alex Ferreira

Turkey finished the first tournament in Pool C of the CEV Volleyball European Golden League 2021 with an immaculate record of three wins in as many matches, dropping only one set in the process. Belarus currently sit in second place, followed by Portugal and the Czech Republic in third and fourth, respectively. On Friday, Turkey and Belarus will open the programme of the second tournament in Santo Tirso, in another repeat of the 2019 gold medal match. Later in the evening, hosts Portugal will play the Czech Republic, hoping at least to repeat their 3-2 victory from the first round robin in Minsk.

Head coach Hugo Silva sounds ambitious: “We always play to win and to secure as many victories as possible, especially since the team has grown with each match. Whether we play with pool leaders Turkey or another team, we must always receive well and put pressure with our serve. We have to be positive and play aggressively. I believe that we had a good first tournament, especially when we look at the last two matches, where the team showed an excellent attitude. We deserved another victory in the match against Belarus. However, a bad start to the last set prevented us from achieving that.”Silva agrees that the absence of Alexandre Ferreira in the 1^st tournament had its weight, especially in terms of offensive power:

Alexandre Ferreira, who did not compete in the 1^st tournament in Belarus, highlights: “This team is undoubtedly growing. Apart from the first match against Turkey where the tiredness of the two days of travel was obvious, against the Czech Republic and Belarus, things were quite different, and everyone contributed with a good performance! The youngest ones showed talent and the work they have done during the preparation phase and I believe that here in Portugal the team will show an even higher level, without a doubt.”

“The Golden League provides opportunities and playing time to the youngest members and to those who need rhythm! I do not say that it will serve as a preparation for the European Championship because the break until EuroVolley will be long. However, it will certainly give experience to the youngest players at this competitive level!” The Portuguese captain, who plays in the South Korean V-League, adds, “The EuroVolley Pool A is at the same level as all the other pools, a very high level. Facing Poland and Serbia has to be a learning experience in all aspects, and we have to try to make the most out of those moments! Regarding the other three opponents, we will be playing with teams at our level. Since four teams from each pool move onto the next phase, I believe that our focus should be on finishing third or fourth, which would be enough to reach our main goal, which is to make it through the group stage of the tournament.”