Giba: The Memorial was important to us

Giba is the most recognizable person in international volleyball for years. Crowds of fans surround him, wherever he appears. Always happy, joyful and eager to help. He is the icon of the Brazilian national team, which will defend the champions title. He tells www.pzps.pl about the preparations for the Championship, the climate in the team and about his passion for volleyball.

Giba is the most recognizable person in international volleyball for years. Crowds of fans surround him, wherever he appears. Always happy, joyful and eager to help. He is the icon of the Brazilian national team, which will defend the champions title. He tells www.pzps.pl about the preparations for the Championship, the climate in the team and about his passion for volleyball.

- It’s just the beginning of the preparations, but how would you describe the present standard of your team?
- First of all, the Brazil national team must be more mature before the Championships. The new players must uderstand that during such a long tournament, they have to play on a high level all the time. In order to make a good impression, winning three group matches is not enough because then you can get eliminated after the next three matches. We haven’t reached that level yet. We cannot maintain a high level during a match. After the World League we had no opportunity to face difficult opponents. Therefore, Wagner Memorial is so important to us. However, we still have a lot to do before the Championships.

- Are there going to be changes in the team?

- No. Sergio has some serious back problems, he hasn’t played the whole season, a 5-month rehabilitation is ahead of him. Andre Nascimento announced his return to the team, but he didn’t have enough time, to get back in good shape. So, the Brazil national team is the same as the one that played in Bydgoszcz. We are close together, and it will be hard not to take some of the players to Italy. However, this is Bernardo Rezende’s vision and he knows what’s best for the team.

- It is difficult for the young players to make it to the team. Rumors appeared about infusing new blood, but the youngest players are already 24 years old. Is is Brazil’s peculiarity?

- Well, our team is not that old (laughter). There are some players over 30, but the rest is still young. It is difficult for the young players to make it to the team because the team has experienced players. As I am looking at the scores, I think that the mixture of the older players’ routine and the youger players’ imagination works best for us.

- But Brazil keeps losing more games very year. Is Brazil getting weaker or other teams stronger?

- Many new teams are becoming stronger all the time. Brazil has been winning almost everything in the past ten years. But the victories weren’t easy at all. The results were determined by details. Nowadays, more teams manage to withstand a match to the finish.

- But you don’t lose important matches, that’s your advantage. You can lose a friendly match against Poland, but at the Championships it would be a different match, right?

- Volleyball is a tough game. You must be able to manage your strength and keep it for important matches. There are about 7 teams, which can defeat any team. You must present a high level in order to win. We managed to do it, but it didn’t come easily.

- You appear on the court seldom, but when you do, you play very well, as was against Poland in Bydgoszcz. Is it because of your weaker condition, or health problems?

- I have no health problems. The coaches have a different game plan. At the Memorial I played against Poland and the Czech Republic and I played the best I could.

- There are many rotations in the lineup, especially between you and Dante.

- That’s true. We have 12 players, who are ready to play all the time and make some fresh changes in the game. All the players appear on the court because the team’s lineup is at stake. Therefore, the coaches try different game tactics, so that every player must be ready to enter the court.

- Many players who had won everything in volleyball said ‘enough’ and quit. You not only play, but you also engage in charity. How do you get such motivation and passion?

- I love what I do. I devoted my whole life to volleyball, entered the national team and loved it even more. It is a unique experience to represent the national colors. Undescribable. I would like to enjoy the game for a little more – until my health allows me. That’s why every game gives me joy and emotions, without which my life would be hard to imagine. And if I can help ill kids, and I know the meaning of illness, that makes me even more happy.

- Will Brazil be able to win again, despite the formula?

- I must admit, that the new formula surprised me and I don’t get it myself. However, FIVB is the boss and we must conform to it. Of course, we are going to fight for gold.