As reported by Polish journalist Jakub Balcerzak, the Polish national volleyball team began its training camp in Zakopane on Monday, August 11. Coach Nikola Grbić has called up 18 volleyball players and will have to select 14 who will represent the country at the championship in the Philippines in September.
The Poles return to training just days after their triumph in the Nations League in China. After a short break of a few days, 'Drużyna polska' (the Polish team) is ready to continue its assault on a new peak – the gold medal at the World Championship. As silver medalists from the previous edition, they will enter the tournament with great ambitions and favorite status.
Group stage – an seemingly easy draw
In the first phase of the competition, the Poles will play in Group B against the Netherlands, Romania, and Qatar – opponents who, on paper, should not pose serious obstacles to the Nations League champions. Nevertheless, the coaching staff knows that underestimation has no place at such a forum.
Injuries and squad changes
However, the injury situation casts a shadow over the preparation. On August 9, again according to Balcerzak, it became clear that libero Maksymilian Granieczny had health problems. As a result, Mateusz Czunkiewicz was called up to reinforce the defensive line.
The good news for fans is the return of key figures like Bartosz Kurek and Norbert Huber, who missed part of the season due to injuries.
Poland's squad for the camp in Zakopane
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Setters | Marcin Komenda, Jan Firlej |
| Opposites | Bartosz Kurek, Bartłomiej Bołądź, Kewin Sasak |
| Outside Hitters | Wilfredo León, Tomasz Fornal, Kamil Semeniuk, Bartosz Bednorz, Artur Szalpuk |
| Middle Blockers | Jakub Kochanowski, Norbert Huber, Szymon Jakubiszak, Jakub Nowak, Mateusz Poręba |
| Libero | Jakub Popiwczak, Mateusz Czunkiewicz, Maksymilian Graniak |
The squad combines experience and class in the form of Kurek, Leon, and Huber, but also young names who can bring fresh energy. The biggest question mark remains the health of key players, especially in the defensive sector.
Humor amidst the tension
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere in the team retains a dose of good spirits. Jakub Balcerzak posted on the social network X with a sense of humor:
"❗️Nikola Grbić, if for every health problem in our team that interferes with preparations for the target event in a given season, an Olympic medal was awarded"
(❗️Nikola Grbić, if an Olympic medal was awarded for every health problem in our team that interferes with the preparation for the main competition in a given season)
The post was accompanied by a photo of Michael Phelps with his entire collection of Olympic accolades - an ironic but eloquent reference to the number of injuries the coach has to deal with before major forums.
photo:volleyballworld.com
