Paris 2024 - men’s tournament

    Quote from side.out

    Hopefully we can build from these tears, but I'm more concerned about the media and the followers rather than the players per se. There's an unhealthy pressure when it comes to the Olympics Games and as Velasco rightly pointed out, we need to appreciate more what we have rather than think the grass is always greener on the other side. Of course we need to improve and it's fine to point out what didn't work, but I'm already reading and listening very unfair comments about the guys and the staff.

    I can imagine the expectations and pressure on these young guys in Italy, after what they achieved in WCH. But the media & casual fans should also be well aware that the competition among the top teams is really tense in men’s volleyball nowadays. The top 8 or even top 10 teams can defeat any other team on any day, the difference and margin for errors between them are really small.
    Or the media should be happy that they were already lucky enough to make that miracle comeback in QF, instead of putting too much blame on these guys.

    Quote from side.out

    Considering we're the country with the most fourth places, it makes sense we ended fourth in men's volleyball too. Jokes aside, maybe back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022 raised expectations a bit too much when the team still has to grow and mature. We're not bad, because playing for a medal in a tournament with crazy quality like this one means you're competitive, but we're not there yet. Expanding the roster and find credible alternatives is essential (in OH position especially), but for the next cycle it might be a good idea to let Sbertoli or Porro play a little bit more. I love Giannelli and as much as important he is for the team, sometimes it's fine to have some rest, clear your head for some rallies and then get back at it. Look how helpful Cambi-Antropova duo was for the girls, I'm sure we can do the same with the boys.

    Fefè could perhaps consider the Giango's sub technique at back row with Totti/Brizard (different setting by Sbertoli and some rest/refocusing for Gianelli)

    EDIT: I mean not the double sub Totti/Faure but the setter sub.

    For me there is clear problem in coaching for Italy. I do not cancel his contribution to successes, but he do not know how to manage the team. When I say the team I mean the whole team the 12 players , not only the starters. He has found a recipe which it works because they guys has amazing chemistry , but when things goes wrong he is completely incapable to make the right options and choices which can change things. Just lets the players to lose like there are not others to the team.


    For god shake , if I was Sbertoli I would have retired and made it clear to everyone to know that I will not return to the team unless the coach leaves . He is already a top-level player and one of the best in his position and the bad thing is not that he just doesn't have playing time, but that he doesn't use it when he should!! Gianelli is probably the best but he has been deified and that's bad because he's had weak moments in the last seasons and this season, which cost.

    Random Thoughts before the finals:
    My First Six: Matt Anderson (USA), Clevenot (FRA), Brizzard(FRA), Chinenyenze(FRA)+, Leon (POL), Kochanowski (POL), Zatorski (POL)
    Best Game: ITA vs JPN (Quarters), SLO vs FRA (Prelims), GER vs USA (Prelims)
    Most Disappointing Player: Polonsky (ARG), Bruno (BRA), Kurek(POL)*, Ishikawa (JPN)*

    My Final Prediction: FRA in Four Sets lol.
    * i think they at least played 1 game well but very disappointing regardless.
    + i actually think the second best MB should be Huber but I felt he played far too little games lol.

    Quote from Blahblah

    And for those who dislike Kubiak, I hope you also feel the same about Ngapeth because both of them aren’t innocent. But the thing is, one of them is still playing and still being arrogant as hell (+ all the things mentioned about him).

    Kubiak will certainly be in the crowd...

    So if Ngapeth needs eventually extra motivation


    PS: Referee Stefano Cesare

    Close match so far BUT that crowd is insane.

    THAT Spike definitely touched Brizzard lol. The other replay literally showed movement.

    [Edit 1] FRA is just spiking and defending better. Also, the block touch challenge this games is so dodgy. Also, I think lifting is back I suppose.

    [Edit 2] POL started with heavy serve and MB offense but Brizzard blocked the heck out of Fornal and now their leading.

    Brizzard blocking Fornal twice in a row and with stare, lol

    Brizard giving Fornal a taste of his own medicine :cheesy:

    Poland team are too nervous. France are too lucky on everything. Even Clevenot's cheesy spike could score.

    Janusz' set to pos 4 is obviously below his normal level. If Leon and Fornal can not score, Poland will lose at 0:3 quickly.

    Poland actually plays well in set #2 until Fornal got blocked twice. The momentum was shifted since then.

    Poland strongest weapons (Strong serves, middle attacks, and Leon) have yet to make an impact in this match. :gone:

    Everything favors France. They have best block at the right time.