Slovenian volleyball players have begun preparations for the European Championship, with Polish team currently considered stronger than their own. At the recent training session in Ljubljana, the national team looked back on their hard-earned victory in the elite Nations League, which they secured by defeating Japan at the start of this month. The win marked a significant step forward, according to head coach Tine Urnaut, who noted that being among the top four teams in the world three times was a high achievement. However, he emphasized that the bronze medal does not guarantee success at the European Championship, where the competition's quality is higher. He pointed out that the first match against Slovakia will be crucial, as anything else could lead to penalties. He stressed that the team must focus solely on that game, as failure there could jeopardize their chances of reaching the Olympics. Urnaut added that the team communicates well both on and off the court, sharing common goals and understanding each other’s motivations. This unity is essential, especially given the pressure of competing at such a high level. Despite some setbacks, including injuries, the team remains focused on achieving its objectives. Player Tonček Štern has returned to training after his injury, expressing confidence in the team's ability to perform under pressure. He believes the young players have already proven themselves capable of competing against the best teams, citing their victory over Japan as evidence. Štern highlighted that the team's chemistry is strong and that they are prepared to face any challenge. Meanwhile, the women's national team has also started preparing for the upcoming European Championship. They have been training since late July, participating in several preparatory matches against teams such as Turkey, Slovakia, and Belgium. Some of these games were held behind closed doors, with results kept confidential until released by the Slovenian Volleyball Federation. In one match, Slovenia defeated Turkey 3:1, while their encounter with Slovakia ended in a draw. Against Belgium, however, the team faced difficulties, losing two matches, first 3:0 and then 3:2. The team's selection for the tournament includes key players such as Eva Pavlović Mori, Nika Milošič, and Saša Planinšec, with Zoja Donko serving as the free player. These players have shown consistent performance throughout the matches. Despite the challenges, coach Alessandro Orefice expressed disappointment with the team's performance during the match against Belgium. He noted that the team lacked cohesion and intensity, particularly in service and reception. He criticized the lack of pressure applied during the serve, which he believed could have disrupted Belgium's fast-paced game. Assistant coach Eva Pavlović Mori echoed these concerns, pointing out that the team failed to maintain discipline in all aspects of play. She acknowledged that the match against Belgium was a valuable test before facing tougher opponents in Turkey. Both coaches agree that the team must show everything they can bring to the table in the coming matches. The team's preparation continues with a focus on improving their performance and maintaining mental readiness for the upcoming challenges. While the Polish team is currently viewed as a stronger competitor, the Slovenian squad remains determined to achieve its goals. With a mix of experience and youth, the team is ready to take on the demands of the European Championship. As the tournament approaches, the focus remains on each match, ensuring that the players are fully prepared to compete at the highest level. The journey ahead promises to be challenging, but the team is committed to delivering their best performance.
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