Daniele Santarelli: 'We will have to play better than today'

National volleyball team coach Daniele Santarelli stressed the importance of resilience and fighting spirit, even when facing setbacks during a match. Following a challenging game, Santarelli reflected on the team's ability to overcome difficulties and maintain their effort until the very end.

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I told the players to change something. I changed some players to help the team. Today I wanted to give a few minutes to some players who haven't played for a long time. They need it and I am very happy about that.

"I told the players to change something. I changed some players to help the team. Today I wanted to give a few minutes to some players who haven't played for a long time. They need it and I am very happy about that," Santarelli said. He noted that while the team displayed "truly great work" at times, they also struggled. "We can't think that it's over, that everything has ended, even if we lose a set 1-2 or lose a point badly. We can fight until the last point is dropped."

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We can't think that it's over, that everything has ended, even if we lose a set 1-2 or lose a point badly. We can fight until the last point is dropped.

Santarelli also lauded the home crowd in Ankara for their unwavering support. "It was a magnificent and incredible atmosphere. I am very happy that we gave them this beautiful gift," he stated, referring to the team's performance. The coach acknowledged the upcoming match against China, their final opponent in the Ankara leg, will be a tough test. "China is a tough team. They have important players and are very technical," he observed.

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It was a magnificent and incredible atmosphere. I am very happy that we gave them this beautiful gift.

Looking ahead, Santarelli emphasized the need for improvement. "Tomorrow we will have to play better than today and definitely start better." National team player Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın echoed the sentiment, expressing happiness at the comeback win. "We worked well, but I think we couldn't display the game we wanted in the first two sets. Germany made very good blocks and defense. I am very happy that we didn't give up the match and won 3-2." She added that the team aims to finish the Ankara leg with a perfect record: "We want to finish this leg with 4 out of 4 with the Ankara audience that gives us strength."

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China is a tough team. They have important players and are very technical.