As we reported yesterday, Nikola Grbić is preparing Poland's final squad for the third part of the group stage of the Volleyball Nations League in Chicago, with almost all leading national team players already present at the training camp in Spała. Today, the Serbian head coach himself revealed tosport.tvp.plnew details about the team's health status and the logic behind squad selection.
Kochanowski will not play in Chicago
Grbić confirmed that Jakub Kochanowski will not be available to play in the USA due to a knee problem dating back to the end of the club season. The volleyball player has received an injection and is gradually returning to training. Nevertheless, he will travel with the team – the coach explained that it is not practical for part of the coaching staff to stay in Spała just to manage his individual recovery program while the rest depart for Chicago. It is easier for Kochanowski to continue his recovery on-site, within the team's general training sessions.
A decisive examination is expected for Firlej
Jan Firlej's health status will only become clear next week, after a new examination. The player is not experiencing pain, but Grbić emphasized that he does not want to take unnecessary risks – a new injury could end his participation in the tournament.
Bieniek dropped out due to health reasons
The head coach confirmed that Mateusz Bieniek withdrew from participation due to a health problem, without going into details, as he is not authorized to comment on the matter publicly.
Grbić: No one decides on their own whether they want to be on the national team
The head coach also commented on his more general approach to national team call-ups, in connection with Bieniek's withdrawal and the potential question regarding Norbert Huber. Grbić emphasized that no player has the right to decide on their own when they want to participate in the national team and when not. According to him, if an athlete decides they do not wish to come to a certain gathering, that is acceptable – but they cannot expect their return later to be guaranteed when they themselves request it. Grbić explained that organizing the squad each year is entirely his decision, not a right of choice for the players themselves.
Grbić considered calling Łomacz, but decided against it
Due to the complications with Firlej and Bieniek, the coach admits that he briefly considered calling up the experienced Grzegorz Łomacz for support, but ultimately abandoned the idea, without even asking him.
Sawicki – included rather for moral support
Grbić revealed the more personal story behind the decision to include Mikołaj Sawicki in the group – after a long absence from the court (ten months), he was initially called up for psychological support, but Szymanski's injury put him directly on the roster. Subsequently, Sawicki himself experienced physical problems due to intense training after the long break.
Financial factor in selecting 14 (or more) players
The head coach clarified that the number of players traveling to Chicago – whether 14, 15, or 16 – also depends on financial and logistical considerations, not just sports judgment. The final decision is expected to be announced in the middle of next week.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
