The Japanese men's volleyball team played their final warm-up match before the Paris Olympics against world number one Poland, winning 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 17-15).
After the match, I spoke with Japan national team coach Philippe Blanc.
Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Brann: I'm very happy. It was very important for us to play the game now. Unfortunately, we can't play the second game tomorrow (because Serbia can't participate), but it was very important to be able to play against a team like Poland after we had a rest (after the Nations League Final) and restarted. And I'm very happy.
Toshiki: What elements do you think went particularly well in today's match and led to victory?
Blanc: It was tough at the beginning of the match. In the first set, we were in a bit of a tough situation, losing five service aces to our opponent, but after that, our players did a great job serving and receiving, and our side-outs were going well. If I had to say one thing, I think there was room for improvement in our defense, especially against our opponent's quick plays, but overall it was a good match.
TOSHIKI: What do you think about Takahashi Ai's condition?
Blanc: Ai is getting better and better. He hasn't played in a while, so he needs to prepare well. So it was very important for him to have a match like today. I think his sense is getting better and better. I think his attack efficiency needs to improve, but he plays a very important role in serve reception, so it's very important.
Toshiki: How is (injured) Takahashi Kentaro doing?
Bran: We don't know. We're still waiting for the report. But he seemed alert when he left the venue, so hopefully it's not too serious.
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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