Slovenians began preparations for the season's peak: "We realize a lot of work awaits us"

After a short break, the Slovenian men's national volleyball team reunited in Ljubljana, where they began preparations for the World Championship, according to media reports from the Balkan country. On the first day, the squad was not in full complement, but Slovenian fans can be pleased that captain Tine Urnaut, Gregor Ropret, and Alen Pajenk were also at the first training session – the three were absent for most of the Nations League. As we already reported, Klemen Cebulj, who missed the Nations League, will also miss the entire season with the national team, including the World Championship.

The team, whose preparation will also be joined by some players from the extended list, will train in Ljubljana until August 30, after which they will depart for Japan. There, together with the Japanese, the Slovenians will conduct the final stage of preparation for the championship in the Philippines and will play at least one friendly match. They will play their first match in Manila on September 13 against Chile. Germany and Bulgaria are also in Group E. We remind you that Bulgaria will also hold a preparatory camp in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Tine Urnaut: "The atmosphere is great, but a lot of work awaits us"

"The atmosphere is great, as always. We are all aware that a lot of work awaits us. We still need to improve the quality of our game if we want to be successful at the World Championship," Captain Urnaut told STA agency.

He is satisfied with the team's performances in the Nations League, but believes they could have been even better.

"It's more important to give everything on the court than to think about the result"

Nevertheless, Urnaut believes that the team should not feel pressure for results at the World Championship either:

"What we said before the Nations League still applies. We have a changed squad, we are trying to play a new game system that we haven't used in the national team before. We are developing a fast game – sometimes it works well for us, other times not so much. Some teams have been playing this way for much longer, and we still need to get used to it, which takes time. It's more important to see if we're giving our maximum on the court. If we do, we'll be satisfied. I know I'm repeating myself, but I really mean it. I hope we are all healthy so we can help each other," said the captain, who missed the Nations League tournaments in Bulgaria, Slovenia, and the finals in China.

"Knock on wood – I feel much better and I can only wish it stays that way in the Philippines. Apparently, my body needed some rest, but I believe everything will be fine again," Urnaut added.

Squad assembled by Soli

Participating in the camp in Ljubljana are:
Gregor RopretandNejc Najdič – setters;
Tine Urnaut,Luka Marovt,Rok BračkoandVid Ranc- outside hitters;
Nik Mujanović- opposite;
Alen Pajenk,Janj Janez KržičandJošt Kržič- middle blockers;
Jani KovačičandGregor Okroglič- liberos.

Additional rest days were granted to:the Štern brothers (Tonček and Žiga),Rok MožičandUroš Planinšič.
Thus, the total training group consists of 16 athletes, from whom 12-14 will be selected to participate in the World Championship.

Solids: Assessment of the physical condition of Pajenk, Urnaut, and Možič

"Before setting the final goal before the World Championship, we must first define the goals for this month of preparation, because in my opinion, it is risky to look too far ahead. It is important to act step by step and think about what we can do now to achieve our goals.

Now, we must first ensure that the team gets to know the players who did not participate in the first part of the season better, and to correct the physical condition of Urnaut, Pajenk, and Ropret. Rok Možič is also not in ideal shape. Before setting goals like a medal, semi-final, or anything else, we need to see how the players will react after the first week, what dreams and goals we share, and decide what is the best way to achieve them," the coach told Slovenian journalists.

photos:sportklub.n1info.siandsiol.net