Photo: Getty Images
Iran's volleyball community is reeling after a dismal showing in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), which led to the dismissal of Brazilian coach Mauricio Paes. The national team finished a disappointing 15th out of 16, securing only two wins against ten losses.
Struggles Under Paes
Paes, who had limited preparation time and was preoccupied with club competitions in France, struggled to address the team's psychological and mental needs. Former national player Mahmoud Afshardoust pointed out that long-standing issues, such as serve receive and side out phase, were evident from the start and needed urgent attention.
"The federation must focus on these basic issues to build a strong future for Iranian volleyball," Afshardoust emphasized.
A Glimmer of Hope with Akbari
When Peyman Akbari took over in the third week of the VNL, the team showed noticeable improvement. Akbari's familiarity with the players and his extensive experience in Iranian volleyball brought positive changes, particularly in reducing pressure and boosting team morale.
"Akbari's leadership helped the team regain some of its lost confidence," noted Afshardoust.
Future Prospects and Strategic Planning
The crisis has sparked calls for strategic planning to revitalize Iranian volleyball. Afshardoust stressed the importance of addressing both player and team management issues to ensure the sport's development at the grassroots level. The federation is now under pressure to devise a robust plan that addresses these fundamental problems and sets the stage for future success.
In conclusion, the dismissal of Mauricio Paes and the team's poor performance in the VNL have highlighted critical areas that need attention. With the right focus and strategic planning, there is hope for a brighter future for Iranian volleyball.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
Volleyball
The Ukrainian U-22 national team lost to Turkey at the start of the European ChampionshipVolleyball
Gstaad Elite16: Crucial Preparation for Paris 2024Volleyball
Revolutionary Tech Enhances Fairness at Paris 2024 VolleyballVolleyball
Japan Announces Final Roster for Paris Olympics After Historic Silver in VNL 2024Volleyball
France Triumphs in Volleyball Nations League, Eyes Paris 2024 GloryVolleyball
France back on top: Victory in Volleyball Nations League 2024Volleyball
France and Japan shock League of Nations: surprise semi-finals in LodzVolleyball
France and Slovenia advance to the Volleyball Nations League semi-finals after dramatic matchesVolleyball
Japan and Poland Secure Semifinal Spots in Volleyball Nations League 2024Volleyball
Jackie Taylor Honors Late Father by Wearing No. 21 for North Carolina VolleyballVolleyball
Nicola Negro Extends Contract with Gerdau Minas: What's Next for the Champions?Volleyball
LOVB's Ambitious Expansion Plan: Six Teams by 2025, Eight by 2027Volleyball
Finnish talent Santeri Vialimaa joins Lviv Barkom-KazhanaVolleyball
"Ukraine triumphs in the Golden Euroleague: the Candidates' Cup awaits"Volleyball
Volleyball Challenger Cup 2024: Exciting Showdowns Await in Linyi and ManilaVolleyball
German Teams Dominate Messina Futures, Clinch Gold and SilverVolleyball
Paris 2024 Olympic Beach Volleyball: The Final Line-Up is SetVolleyball
"Italian women triumph in Thailand: Paola Egonu - MVP of the League of Nations final"Volleyball
Italy and Poland make their way to the semi-finals of the League of Nations VolleyballVolleyball
Japan and Brazil impress: Volleyball Nations League semi-finals promise to be hotVolleyball
Evgeny Kisilyuk: From the bench to the MVP of the Golden EuroleagueVolleyball
Lviv club "Barkom-Kazhany" is preparing for the new season with new recruit Andrii Shvets