The fact that Zenit has invested millions to hire the best players for the team, the pressure is there to win. For 3 years in a row, the richest club team in the world wins its 3rd CEV Champions League title in a row. Zenit has previously won it in 2007/2008 and 2011/2012.

Coach Alekno’s Words

“There is actually no secret to our success. Right now, our club is extremely well-organised and has the means to recruit some of the best players in the world. This is where our success comes from. I would like to say that it is not always that easy for the players and coaching staff to cope with the pressure since the expectations are always incredibly high and everyone expects us to win. Our fans and management perceive a second place like some kind of complete failure, so the pressure is always on us. I am of course happy with the result and this gold medal.”

What’s Next For Zenit?

Wilfredo Leon and team will now focus on the Russian Super League as they try to defend their crown they’ve won since 2014. The team has also qualified for the 2017 FIVB Club World Championship to take place in Poland from December 11th – 17th. Zenit has never won this tourney except for the 2 silver medals in 2014 and 2015.

Final 4 Ranking

1st: Zenit Kazan (Russia)
2nd: Sir Sicoma Colussi Perugia (Italy)
3rd: Cucine Lube Civitanova (Italy)
4th: Berlin Recycling Volleys (Germany)

The Dream Team

Most Valuable Player: Maxim Mikhaylov (Zenit Kazan)

Best Setter: Luciano De Cecco (Sir Sicoma Colussi Perugia)
Best Outside Spiker: Wilfredo León (Zenit Kazan)
Best Outside Spiker: Ivan Zaytsev (Sir Sicoma Colussi Perugia)
Best Middle Blocker: Marko Podrascanin (Sir Sicoma Colussi Perugia)
Best Middle Blocker: Artem Volvich (Zenit Kazan)
Best Opposite Spiker: Aleksandar Atanasijević (Sir Sicoma Colussi Perugia)
Best Libero: Jenia Grebennikov (Cucine Lube Civitanova)

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