On September 15, Bulgaria faces Slovenia in the second match of the group stage of the Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines. This is a key challenge for our national team - especially in light of the condition of the Slovenian star - Rok Mozic.
Rok Mozic's health condition
Coach Fabio Soli remains highly concerned about Mozic's knee condition, which prevents him from training at full capacity.
He commented:
"Rok Mozic is undergoing examinations, and we are doing everything in our power to have him join us as soon as possible. The condition of Rok Mozic's knee remains very uncertain. The chances are 50:50," explains coach Fabio Soli. "I told the team to focus on giving their best and not wait for someone to help us.
"...if Rok is able to help us, he will go to the championship. Otherwise, we will travel with the squad we have."
Regardless of his recovery, the possibility of him missing one of the most important rivalries in the group stage remains real.
Preparation and preliminary controls
Slovenia is holding a camp in Ljubljana from August 12 to 30, and on August 31, it departs for Osaka, where it will hold control matches and training sessions with Japan. Then, on September 7, the team will arrive in the Philippines to prepare for the start of the championship.
Slovenia will play in a group with Bulgaria, Chile, and Germany. The schedule is:
September 13: Slovenia - Chile
September 15:Slovenia - Bulgaria
September 17: Slovenia - Germany
According to information published on the federation's website, Mozic should appear at the camp next week. Currently, sixteen players are training in Ljubljana.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Setters | Gregor Ropret, Nejc Najdic |
| Outside Hitters | Tine Urnaut, Ziga Stern, Rok Bračko, Luka Marovt, Vid Ranc |
| Middle Blockers | Alen Pajenk, Jan Kozamernik, Sašo Štalekar, Janž Janez Kržič, Jost Kržič |
| Opposite Hitters | Tonček Stern, Nik Mujanović |
| Liberos | Jani Kovačič, Greg Okroglič |
Možič's absence could lead to serious problems in the Slovenians' reception and attack, burdening the other outside hitters, especially in a match like the one against Bulgaria. Middle blockers like Alen Pajenk and Jan Kozamernik must take a key role in blocking and attacking, and the role of the setters - Ropret and Najdic - will be critical for the tempo and organization of actions.
photos: Odbojkarska zveza Slovenije andvolleyballworld.com
