Home » NEW YEAR’S INTERVIEW: Fernando Munoz Benitez for WoV – “Olympiacos is one of the most important clubs in Europe”

NEW YEAR’S INTERVIEW: Fernando Munoz Benitez for WoV – “Olympiacos is one of the most important clubs in Europe”

by WoV
source: Photo: cev.eu

Fernando Munoz is the man who brought a lot of happiness to the fans of Olympiacos!

Fernando Munoz

Fernando Munoz

PAOK were ruling in the Greek championship until the arrival of the Spanish coach Fernando Munoz who took over Olympiacos and dethroned the biggest rival in his first season. 

This is his third straight season in Olympiacos and he is after the third title.

You are doing well in this season – How would you rate the performances of your team in the Greek league?

Generally all is going well, we had a tough calendar with difficult games out of our hall in the first part of the season and we changed 8 players in the team. We needed time to close some technical and tactical situations but we arrived with good results to the Christmas break.”

Olympiacos had a difficult draw for the CEV Cup. What have you and your team learned from these two matches against Modena?

Two years ago we played the final of Challenge Cup against Ravenna in their sweet moment, last season in semifinals of Cev Cup against world champions Trentino and this season Modena with one of the more strong teams of last years. Of course, we would like to meet Modena in the final four but the draw was like that, in Athens, we fought point by point but in their hall, we didn’t play our best volleyball and they play really well. In any case to play against one team like Modena always help for the Greek championship, for our young players was important to have the opportunity to check their possibilities against some of the best players in the world.”

You have managed to win two championship titles in a row. What are the chances to win the third in a row?

Olympiacos is a winner club, all sports of the club are making it for to do it. When I came two seasons ago PAOK had won 3 championships in a row and was painfully for the club, staff, fans, etc…last two years we recovered and took over the throne but it’s necessary to manage very well the situation. All people are very passionate, to show them the balance between mind and heart is one of my targets.”

How would you rate the Greek championship? Have you noticed progress since your arrival there?

During these three seasons, the level seems to go up, not only technically. The organization of the League and clubs is going better. Of course, It’s necessary to make more things, Greece has a great volleyball culture and the could use it better in the right way.”

How do you feel in Greece and Olympiacos?

Very well, Athens is a nice city to life and work. Olympiacos is one of the most important clubs in Europe with all sport in a high-level performance, I’m very proud to be part of the history of Olympiacos.”

Since you worked in Turkey and Greece so far, where would you like to work as a head coach one day?

Italy, Poland, Rusia…for different reasons. I worked one season in Italy many years ago but no Serie A and 3 or 4 times I was very close to signing there in A1 like in Poland. One experience I would like to have Is in Japan, always I went there with the national team of Spain I felt special about all, organization, how to live the volleyball in all country. It will be really nice.”

What one head coach needs to have to be considered as a successful one?

“One coach must know to win, not all coaches can manage the finals or important moments in their teams. To take the right decisions in the important moments can be a key between a good coach and a successful coach.”

 

Check out more interviews.


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