Michal Winiarski is no longer the head coach of the German men's national team. The news was officially confirmed by the German Volleyball Federation, according to which the Pole resigned for personal reasons.

The 42-year-old specialist took over the German team at the beginning of 2022, combining this position with his work at his club team Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie, which he has led for three years. However, the workload on two fronts proved to be too great a challenge.
Although he had an active contract with Germany until 2028 – the year of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles – Winiarski chose to step down.

"The last years with the German national team were among the most significant and satisfying in my career – filled with passion, development, and unforgettable moments. But my family needs more time with me. Working in PlusLiga is extremely intense, and between club and national commitments, there was almost no time for rest. Some minor health problems also arose. It's time for a break and to recharge," Winiarski stated in the official DVV announcement.

A team that soared again.

Under his leadership, the Germans returned among the leading teams on the world stage. After a 12-year absence, they qualified for the Olympic Games, where they reached the quarterfinals in Paris 2024, and at the 2022 World Championship, they played in the round of 16, where they were eliminated by Slovenia. It was precisely against Germany on September 13 that the Bulgarian campaign for the World Championship final in Pasay City began.

The last season, however, brought a certain decline – 11th place in the Nations League and elimination in the group stage of the World Championship. Nevertheless, the assessment of the Pole's work remains positive.

"Michal did a fantastic job. He raised the team's level both athletically and in terms of human aspect. It's bitter that we are parting ways, but we fully understand his decision. We wish him and his family all the best," commented Christian Dünnes, Sports Director of the German Federation.

What's next?

The DVV leadership has already begun talks with potential successors. Five to six candidates are expected to be interviewed in the coming days, after which the name of the new head coach will be announced.

Winiarski's decision comes at a time when German volleyball is on the rise, but simultaneously faces a new challenge – to continue what the Pole started and maintain its position among the elite on the world stage.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov