TOSHIKI: How do you feel looking back on the tournament as a whole?
Wienialski: It was a good tournament. We played two really good teams (Poland and Slovenia). We came close to winning both matches in full sets, but winning wasn't the most important thing in this tournament and as a coach I was able to find some answers and get a lot of material to analyze.
Toshiki: What do you think you gained in particular?
Wienialski: It's all in my head (laughs).
Toshiki: Okay. Are you ready for the opening match against Japan at the Paris Olympics?
Wienialski: We will start preparing now. We know that Japan is a great team and it will be a very tough match.
Toshiki: What do you think will be the key to this match?
Wienialski: Since it's the first match, the team that keeps their spirits up and plays the volleyball they're good at will definitely win.
Toshiki: Which Japanese player are you particularly wary of?
Wienialski: Everyone is great. Japan has been strong and improved a lot in the last few years. They achieved results in this year's VNL and last year's VNL, and the world rankings show which team is the favorite to win (Japan is ranked 2nd in the world). If I had to pick an individual, it would be Ishikawa. I like this player. I think he improved a lot last year. He looks after the whole team, and he is a key player.
Toshiki: Changing the subject, did you enjoy your stay in Japan (the German national team stayed in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture for the VNL, and then in Shiwa, Iwate Prefecture for a training camp)?
Wienialski: I say this every time I see you, but I love Japan. Your country is amazing. I love the food, especially the meat (beef), and I love the people because they are always smiling.
Photo: Author
[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)
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