Ireneusz Mazur: Poland among the favorites of the Olympic Games

We already know the participants of the volleyball Olympic Games tournament. Poland just like in years 2004 and 2008, is one of them.

- At the Olympic top twelve the national team of Cuba is missing – this is a big surprise. On the other hand, I know the stories of the team, because of which the best players do not play – said former coach of the senior men’s national team Ireneusz Mazur. – I can see that French team is also missing. The last one has been winning the medals at the European Championships and World League for the past ten years.

In comparison to the Olympic Games four years ago, in London the following teams will be missing: China (host), Venezuela, Japan and Egypt. Instead of these teams we will see the national teams of: Argentina, Australia, Tunesia and Great Britain (host). – Definitely, Argentina is much stronger than Venezuela, what has been proved in a direct fight and now coach Javier Weber together with much stronger team has great aspirations.

As Ireneusz Mazur stressed, ‘fighting for the main prizes of the Olympic Games we will see the teams which have been doing well in the top world ranking since years, including Poland".

At the moment the best teams are playing in the World League and compete for promotion to the final to be held on the 4^th -8^th of June, in Sofia. – Participation in the World League allows the teams for annual competition with the best ranked teams. In this way the teams are able to develop their skills. The Olympic year is very specific one. Almost a month after the World League tournament the Olympic Games will begin. It is hard to be surprised that the coaches are practicing on the condition of the players for the most important start of the season – said Ireneusz Mazur.

In group B, Poland will play with Brazil, Finland and Canada. – So far, the condition of our national team is satisfying. I am proud of the white-and-reds’ physical condition. This opinion has not even been changed by the Sunday’s failure with Brazil 1:3. However, the rivals won only one set in a very determined way – said Ireneusz Mazur.