Polina Rahimova is settling into the Greek league. "Panionios", the club she represents, currently sits third in the championship standings, while in the Challenge Cup the team has passed two rounds and reached the Round of 16.
In an interview with Idman.Biz, the outside hitter shared her impressions of playing for a new club, spoke about upcoming tournament objectives and her life in Greece.
"At the moment, we are on an eight-match winning streak in the Greek league and have climbed to third place, behind only "Panathinaikos" and "Olympiacos". Expectations are very high, as many are waiting for a championship from "Panionios", a club that has received significant financial investment. The management expects major results from us and believes the team can perform successfully in all competitions, not only in the national championship, but also in the Greek Cup and Super Cup, as well as in European tournaments", Rahimova noted.
According to her, the match schedule is quite demanding. "We play twice a week. A few days ago we beat "Zirinios" in the league, and on the eve of that we defeated "Ilisiakos". As for the Challenge Cup, we will face Spanish club "Eskimo" in the Round of 16. The first match will take place away on January 9, and the return leg is scheduled for January 16", Polina said.
At the same time, before the end of the year, "Panionios" will play for its first trophy of the season. On December 23, the team will face "Olympiacos" in the Greek Super Cup. "The Super Cup winner is decided in a single match, so it will be a big game for us and we are preparing very seriously. At the same time, we are focusing on the matches leading up to this final. Interestingly, in the previous league round we played away against the team in whose arena the Super Cup match with "Olympiacos" will be held. The hall is small, with a low ceiling, and we have already tested it", Rahimova emphasized.
The volleyball player also shared her impressions of living in Greece. "Even though it is winter, the climate here is very warm. I live not far from the sea and often take walks along the coast. The Old Town is nearby, and Athens is not far either. The local mentality even somewhat resembles the Turkish one. Compared to last season in Brazil, the difference is very big. In Greece, volleyball is not as popular. Still, every team has groups of fans known as 'ultras', but the fan culture is different from what I saw in Brazil. I find it interesting to take on a new challenge in a new country. I also plan to visit several islands. We played in Santorini, an incredibly beautiful place. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale", Polina added.
Zaki Feyzullayev
