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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