The national team lost 1-3 (22-25, 18-25, 26-24, 15-25) in the first match of the third week of the 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at Chilbo Gymnasium in Seosuwon on the 27th. After losing all eight games in the first and second weeks, he sought his first win on his home turf, but failed. 스포츠토토탑

Although he lost, Cesar expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “I’m sorry I couldn’t chase you in an important situation, but I fought enough and it was good to push,” he said after the game. “I think I lacked defense and serve, but I’m satisfied with the play I promised at the meeting.”

However, the national team has been recording 24 consecutive VNL losses since 2021. In particular, he suffered the humiliation of losing all 12 games in last year’s tournament, and in this tournament, he has been mired in nine consecutive losses until the match. In the meantime, the world ranking of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has fallen significantly from 23rd to 33rd.

Regarding the recent sluggishness of the national team, Cesar said, “I don’t think there is a problem with tactical preparation,” adding, “I think there were many shortcomings in the players’ attitude to understand the context of international level and participate in the tournament.” “It is important to get used to the play that this level requires,” he said. “I didn’t have enough time to prepare, but if I continue to train, I will be able to grow enough.”

Despite his recent poor performance, Cesar stressed that the players are showing growth. Specifically, regarding the growth of the players, he said, “We are more competitive than last year in terms of offense,” adding, “I think the attack has reached a level that can compete against strong teams.” He added, “It is also encouraging to give opportunities to newly joined players and grow them.”

He also pointed out the shortcomings. Coach Cesar said, “The figures show that blocking has grown, but the side attack is not stable,” adding, “I think there is still a lot to be lacking in international competitions.”

Until recently, Cesar served as a coach for Bakifbank in the Turkiyen league, and on the 14th, he was appointed as the head coach of Nantes in the French league. He is currently working with the national team coach.

Cesar often failed to carry out his national team schedule due to his team’s schedule. As a result, it was pointed out that he did not play his role as a national team coach properly. However, he replied, “I understand that there is such an opinion, but I am trying to do my best in the given mission,” adding, “I am concentrating on the national team, and I think it is my team that should be dissatisfied.”

The national team has continued to regress since Cesar took over last year. However, Cesar only complained about FIVB’s world ranking standards. He said, “Teams that do not participate in international competitions take points, and we are rather dissatisfied with the fact that they lose points,” adding, “At first, we started at 14th place, but now we have fallen to 33rd place.” “I think this is reality,” he pointed out.

As such, it is moving away from advancing to the 2024 Paris Olympics finals. However, Cesar raised his voice, saying, “Even if it becomes impossible to go to the Olympics, I will do my best until the end.” “If I can’t go to the Olympics, I will take responsibility accordingly,” he said. “I will also discuss the direction of the national team in the future.”

After finishing the VNL, he will compete in international competitions such as the Asian Championships and the Asian Games. Coach Cesar said, “After the VNL, the call-up will be lifted for three to four weeks, and the players will prepare for the KOVO Cup,” adding, “We will continue to check the players’ conditions through the KOVO Cup.” He added, “I’m not thinking about any future plans because the VNL is not over for now.

Finally, regarding the goal of the remaining three VNL games, he stressed, “I always play for victory.” “In the remaining three games, we meet physically strong teams. “The Dominican Republic is wandering, but China and Poland are doing well,” he said. “Even though we lost today, it was a game that helped us grow.” “We need to show our fighting spirit more often,” he stressed.