Gonzalo Martinez has no hesitation. On the pitch, as in everyday life, he is used to going straight to the point: “From now on, all matches will be decisive.” The libero from Da Rold Logistics Belluno bites the brakes and is ready to immerse himself in a season finale that the rhinos want to experience as protagonists: «The ranking speaks for itself – resumes the twenty-year-old who grew up in Volley Treviso -. Four lengths ahead of us is Savigliano, but from fifth to ninth place we are all there, attacking. So, no doubt: every challenge is fundamental».
Tooth and nail, the DRL remained clinging to step number 5 of the ranking. In this sense, the 2 points snatched from ErmGroup San Giustino in last Sunday’s direct challenge were decisive: «We knew it would be tough, against a team of great value and capable of interpreting the block-defense phase in the best possible way. A very up-and-down match ensued, but I’m very happy with our fifth set: despite being down 8-4 in the score, we had the merit of not giving up. And the excellent work of the batsmen made the difference.”
Martinez measured himself with an equal role like Davide Marra: a free who wore the blue shirt of the Italian national team, spent a decade in the top flight. And lifted an Italian Cup to the sky, as well as a Challenge Cup. And yet, figures in hand, Martinez proved to be absolutely worthy of the comparison: «Don’t worry, I haven’t won any remote duels – smiles Gonzalo -. Marra is an excellent player, perhaps the best free thrower in the entire championship: I can only learn from him, especially the defense phase. To get to his levels, I still have a long way to go».
Pineto, Savigliano and finally San Giustino. The three consecutive successes have the features of the turning point: «Now we have a greater awareness of our abilities. It’s as if the victory with Pineto had unlocked us: before this triptych, the season could have been considered moderate, now that’s not the case anymore. I’m happy, but I know it’s not enough. We have two races to win.” One of which, scheduled for Sunday (6.00 pm), in Parma against WiMore: «On a personal level? I feel satisfied, but not too much – concludes Martinez -. There is always room to grow: I still have a lot of things to fix. However, together with the staff, I am doing everything possible to continue to improve».
