Zagreb, Croatia. Camps with the national team can sometimes be long and hard, especially physically, but also mentally, because the players are away from home, in a special mode, and usually all this comes after a long and demanding club season. However, that is not always the case. Filip Šestan, a 195 cm tall outside hitter who will turn 26 in a month, really enjoys the preparations in Zadar – because he is at home! This player, born in Zemunik, could hardly wait for joining the rest of the Croatian national team, because home is always home!
Filip Šestan has just claimed the Romanian national league title to cap a successful season abroad
“I really could hardly wait for the start of the camp, nor did I need a longer break even after a hard club season,” says Filip, one of the most reliable players from the list of head coach Emanuele Zanini. “I was even supposed to come home earlier, but the celebration at the club took longer after we won the national league title.”
He refers to the Romanian team C.S.M. Arcada Galati, where he spent the last season, after playing for their competitor, Universitatea Craiova, two years ago. Before that, he played in Padua, Italy and for Ribola Kaštela in his home country.
“It was a long, difficult and hard season, in the end crowned with the title of national champions. We started on August 1 with the club preparations, and finished the championship two weeks ago only, but the club and the city lined up with a series of celebrations, so it took a little longer to travel home.”
In addition to the domestic trophy, his club had a successful international season as well. “In the end, we finished fifth in the CEV Cup, losing to the eventual winners of the competition, Dinamo MOSCOW. Yes, it was a good season, both for the club and for me, and I am satisfied with how I played.”
They are so happy with him in Romania that the management offered an extension to his contract. “Yes, but I have not decided anything yet, because I am studying some other offers, from some stronger national leagues. I will not wait for too long, it would not be correct, but I will soon ‘cut’ the list and decide.”
Until he does, he will have two strong workouts a day under the supervision of Italian expert Zanini. “Although Emanuele came a few days later for the preparations, because the Croatian championship took longer, and he also won the league title with Mladost, there were no problems, because he has already set up a system that his assistants have just to follow. My former teammate Tomislav Coškovic, who is now Zanini’s first assistant, stood out especially as a coach. It is good that we know Zanini’s Volleyball philosophy, because we do not have much time available anyway, as this weekend is the first, and next is the second qualifying tournament to go to the European Championship,” Filip explains.
Filip Šestan in action during a EuroVolley qualifier held in early 2019 in Zagreb
Croatia’s opponents for a spot at this year’s EuroVolley are the Netherlands and Sweden:
“We know the Dutch team, since we played them before. Although they may be the favourites, we do not give up. The Swedes are a much bigger unknown, but our tactics are clear – we are going head to head against each team. We really want to play at the European Championship, and we will do everything to make it happen. Luckily, we are in the strongest line-up. There are no major injuries, the atmosphere is great and there is no reason not to show good games. Especially in my hometown Zadar.”
News:
CEV – European Volleyball
HOS – Croatian Volleyball Federation
