FIVB World Grand Prix F2 kicks off in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 13, 2017 - The four teams in FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Pool F2 answered questions from members of the press ahead of matches in Puerto Rico this weekend, when the hosts will take on Bulgaria, Canada and the Czech Republic.

Bulgarian coach Ivan Dimitrov said: “I hope we will enjoy these games and that they are satisfactory for the public.”

Bulgaria captain Dobriana  Rabadzhieva said: “The whole team is not here and we are very young. I think we’re going to fight through the tough games for sure. We are here to give chances to the younger players but as I said there will be very tough games here.”

Canada coach Marcello Abbondanza said: “I am happy to be here in Puerto Rico. For us it’s important to show what we have shown through the whole tournament so far.” 

Canada captain Lucille Chaluk said: “It’s a good place to play volleyball. We’re planning a lot for our first match against Puerto Rico, we know them pretty well and we want a good first match against the home team. We want to advance in our group and prepare to meet them at home in Canada.” 

Czech Republic coach Zdenek Pommer said: “We are going to try and continue our achievements from the first tournament in Peru; we have to improve from game to game. We have lots of respect for every team in this tournament, we’re going to do our best for our country and the spectators in Puerto Rico.’’ 

Czech Republic captain Karolina Bednarova said: “We cannot fall asleep on our achievements, we have to give a 120 per cent because these are three very strong opponents so we’re looking forward to it.”

Puerto Rico captain Natalia Valentín said: “This weekend we are willing to give it our all and give the fans a spectacle like they are used to see from us.”

These four teams will meet from tomorrow July 14, 2017 until the July 16 in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan. The first match will be Czech Republic against Bulgaria. That will be followed by Puerto Rico against Canada. Saturday’s matches will be Bulgaria against Canada and Puerto Rico against the Czech Republic. On Sunday, the Czech Republic will face Canada and Puerto Rico will take on Bulgaria.