Artur Szalpuk prefers to watch the World Cup than volleyball. Nikola Grbic’s manly words were uttered
Polish volleyball players started the Nations League tournament in Gliwice with a victory. However, the victory did not come easily, because only after a tie-break against the Belgians.
From the beginning of the match, coach Nikola Grbic set, among others: on Artur Szalpuk, if we are talking about the Poles’ starting lineup. Asseco Resovia Rzeszów’s host defended himself during the match, playing until the very end in a five-set thriller.
Ultimately, Szalpuk finished the match with a solid 17 points.
Artur Szalpuk opens up about the World Cup. He talked about coach Grbic’s anger
There is no doubt, however, that the Poles could not find their rhythm for a long time during the match in PreZero Arena. There were many volleyball fans in Gliwice who wanted to see their favorites play live. However, one could have looked sour looking at the result of the match in the first two parts.
Having a 0-2 score in the match, the Poles proved not for the first time that they can overcome difficult situations. And what happened after two games, how did the coach influence the team?
– Mainly the coach talked, I can’t quote – Szalpuk admitted with a slight smile, adding after a while: – No, a few stronger words were said. It was mainly about the energy on the court, although it wasn’t that bad in the second set. However, we let the game go. The people who entered the field gave us energy, a positive kick and did a very good job – said Szalpuk after the match, happy with the victory.
When asked about the next match against Turkey on Thursday (June 25), the volleyball player admitted with a smile that the team still had to analyze this opponent. The representative and his colleagues will probably be ready. Szalpuk added that whenever he can, in his free time he prefers to watch… the football world championships.
– If I can choose the Nations League or the World Cup, I choose the World Cup and watch it. Although not passionately either. France is definitely playing very well. And Portugal, of course Cristiano Ronaldo – the Polish representative appreciated the class of the Portuguese legend.
Let us add that in addition to 17 points, Szalpuk scored 24 times during the match against the Belgians (67% positive), and made 26 attempts in attack (46% effective). In addition, the national team’s receiver added four point blocks, the most together with center Jakub Nowak. Including the key one, closing the fourth set with a score of 28:26.
Nations League: Where and when will the Polish national team play its next matches?
The Poles will play three more matches in Gliwice. Already on Thursday against Turkey (8:00 p.m.) and then on the weekend – Saturday and the clash with Germany (5:00 p.m.) and at the end of the tournament in Gliwice – Poland vs. Argentina (8:00 p.m.).
The last intercontinental tournament in which Poles will take part will be the competition in Chicago (July 15-19).
The Nations League finals will be held in Ningbo, China (July 30 – August 2).
Where to watch volleyball matches? Broadcasts are available on Polsat Sport. Additionally, you can use the Internet, among others: from the Polsat Box Go platform.
