Filardi talks up UPCN ahead of Men's Club World Championship

Lausanne, Switzerland, October 12, 2016 - UPCN captain Javier Filardi will participate in his fifth FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship when this year's edition kicks off in Betim, Brazil on October 18, but says the challenge is as great as ever. It will be his fourth consecutive participation with UPCN after finishing third in 2014 and 2015 and fourth in 2013. Filardi also played for Drean Bolivar in the 2010 edition, finishing fourth.

Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship Betim 2016 - Website
FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship Betim 2016 - Schedule
FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship Betim 2016 - Teams

"Although for many, the 2016 Men's Club World Championship starts in a few days, the championship has already begun for us. We have been working towards the event ever since the pool draw. We have our games and rivals in mind in everything we do," he said.

"It is always important to have experience in a competition like the Club World Championships, and it will be the fourth time I participate with UPCN. But the challenge is as big as if it were our first participation."

UPCN are in a difficult pool with fellow Argentinians Bolivar, co-hosts Minas Tênis Clube of Brazil and Trentino Volley of Italy, who are the most successful club in the competition with four consecutive victories from 2009 to 2012. "We know that it is a difficult group, but this is a World Championship and we will play against the best," added Filardi. "We have to win, just that. We do not want to depend on anyone or speculate."

A classic of Argentinian volleyball, the World Championship encounter between UPCN and Bolivar will have a special flavour. "No doubt it will be a tough game, but we have an advantage. Bolivar recruit great players and may, player by player, be better than us. But UPCN are a team in every sense of the word. And there we can make a difference. We do not depend on individuals but on each and every member of the team. That's what makes UPCN special and what makes us so difficult to beat," said Filardi.