Lausanne, Switzerland, May 11, 2018 – Jacek Nawrocki is set to stick with the key players in his Poland women's squad for the opening three rounds of the Volleyball Nations League before giving the younger players their chance once they return home for the final two rounds.
Poland’s coach will take his team on the road for the first three rounds. First they travel to the USA where they face the host nation, Italy and Turkey. In week two they take on China, Serbia and Thailand in Macau. They then finish their travels against the Netherlands, Brazil and Korea in Dutch city Apeldoorn.
They finish with two weeks in front of the home crowd. First they play Argentina, Belgium and Germany in Bydgoszcz, and then welcome Japan, Russia and the Dominican Republic to Walbrzych.
“The core of this team has developed over two or three seasons,” Nawrocki said. “We have a group of experienced volleyball players who are proud to play for the national team. We also have a number of young and ambitious players. It means the final shape of the team hasn’t been decided and it will come down to how the girls play.
“We have two rounds of matches in Poland, and the girls who don’t come away with us remain in camp in Poland.”
Agnieszka Kakolewska, who was part of the team that won the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Group 2, will captain the team that is due to leave for the USA on Saturday May 12 following two friendlies against the Czech Republic.
A number of Nawrocki’s players have been involved as the Polish league and European competitions have drawn to a close, so the coach is conscious that he will need to handle them well if he wants them to be at their best when the tournament begins on May 15.
“The new formula of the Nations League means we have a short build-up,” Nawrocki said. “The girls have just finished their club seasons and are fatigued, so we are paying attention to their physical wellbeing. We’ve carried out a lot of medical checks to allow us to plan their training load. The players’ health is my priority.
“I’m really happy with the way this squad is working and I see progress and the players fulfilling their potential. I expect them to fight for every ball, point, set and match in the Nations League. Our opponents may be ranked higher than us, but that is good for us as it means we have to raise our level.”
