Nikola Grbic delays Olympic squad. Former coaches react

The Olympic Games are fast approaching, and only 12 players and one “medical joker” can be called up for them. Many experts and officials are disappointed because 14 players can be called up for the remaining tournaments. Unfortunately, the IOC decided otherwise and coaches have to deal with it somehow.

The most difficult decision in Nikola Grbić’s career

This situation must be causing Nikola Grbic a huge headache, because there are many great players in Poland, and the Serb will have to give up some of them. A year ago, we talked about this with the coach, who admitted that making this decision would be the most difficult moment in his career as the coach of the white and reds.

– It is known that some players that I do not take will ruin their dreams of going to the Olympic Games and maybe winning a medal. I know that, but if I could, I would take them all. I would take thirty volleyball players, but unfortunately the rules are such that I have to choose only twelve – he said at the end of last year’s national team season.

The former coach fully understands Nikola Grbić

The deadline for submitting squads is July 8 at midnight. Nikola Grbić was originally supposed to make a decision before the VNL finals, but he changed his mind and informed that he would need more time. According to experts, such uncertainty does not work well for the players. Former coach of the white and reds Vital Heynen admitted in an interview with TVP Sport that he is aware of the choice the Serbian coach faces.

– You wait until things become clear on their own. It may sound strange, but the deadline problem is the problem of forcing certain decisions. It is much better when everything goes “naturally”. Usually it happens faster than you would expect, sometimes a bit slower. It is possible that it takes a bit longer now. I can understand why he does it, 100 percent – said the current coach of the Chinese national team.

Andrea Anastasi believes there is no need to rush

Andrea Anastasi has a slightly different view. – Poland is a team with a large number of players. Other teams do not have this, they have a more closed line-up, because they do not have as many volleyball players at such a high level. It is not surprising that the final selection in Poland is difficult and emotional. These are the Olympic Games! – he noted.

“I think Nikola may have some minor problems due to the form of some players. He is probably not sure about some players, and that is not easy. From this point of view, it is right for him to take more time to choose. There is no point in finalizing the squad now, since he still has time to see what is the best solution for the team,” he concluded.