We spoke with the U.S. men's volleyball team, who were in Gdansk (Poland) for practice matches on July 20th and 21st local time. The U.S. team is in the same qualifying pool C as the Japanese team, and will play against Japan on Friday, August 2nd at 28:00 Japan time.
This time we bring you an interview with manager John Sparrow (the interview was conducted after the friendly match against Poland on the 21st, with Poland winning 3-2).
Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Sparrow: I think it was very productive. I think we learned a lot about where we stand. All the teams are making final tweaks. We're running out of time. But this match showed us that we're on the right track. I'm going to use what I learned this time to play better next time on the courts in Paris.
Toshiki: Did you watch the match between Japan and Poland last night?
Sparrow: Yes, I saw it. I didn't see the whole thing, but I saw the first three sets.
Toshiki: How was it?
Sparrow: It was a great game. Two strong teams playing against each other. We expect our final pool game against Japan to be an incredibly challenging one.
Toshiki: What is your impression of the current Japanese team?
Sparrow: I've been saying this a lot lately, but I think they're the team that's improved the most in the last three years. They're outstanding in every skill level and are very difficult to beat. They deserve to be in the finals of the Nations League and on the podium. So we have nothing but great respect for the way they play.
Toshiki: Who do you think is the most dangerous Japanese player?
Sparrow: A few years ago, I would have said Ishikawa. But now they have a lot more depth. Nishida is great, Ai is great. They have a good balance. I think that's what makes them so dangerous.
[PR] "ALL for DREAM -Footsteps to Glory- Japan Volleyball National Team Nations League 2024" will be available on U-NEXT from July 27th (Sat.)
A documentary program that closely follows the unknown behind-the-scenes of the "Volleyball Nations League 2024" and traces the fierce battles will be streamed on U-NEXT.
[Distribution date and time]
July 27th (Saturday) 5pm Boys #1 Boys #2
August 3rd (Saturday) 5pm Women's #1
Saturday, August 10th 5pm Women's #2
Saturday, August 24th 5pm Men's #3
Saturday, August 31st 5pm Women's #3
September 7th (Saturday) 5pm Men's #4
Saturday, September 14th 5pm Women's #4
(Quoted from TBS TV release)
U-NEXT offers a 30-day free trial! Click the banner below to sign up!
Photo: Author
English 
Japanese