Volleyball – Two weeks before the start: The new URW brooms are sweeping well

The Waldviertel volleyball players have long since entered the final phase of preparation. On the first weekend in October, things will get serious for the two men’s teams of Union Volleyball Waldviertel in the national leagues, and then also for the women in the 2nd national league. “We are on target with all teams, as far as we wanted to be at this point in the preparation,” reports URW manager Werner Hahn.

Especially for the Nordic team in the Powerfusion Volley League, preparation has been geared for years to ensuring that the team is at its peak in the crunch time of the season for the play-offs. Little has changed in this regard under the new coach Miroslav Palgut.

Good report for the new coach

Hahn gives the Slovakian a good report after the first few weeks: “We will only see whether it will be successful at the end of our plan in two or three years.” But it is going very well, Miro brings a lot of new aspects to the table, speaks many languages, which is also important. I am very positive that we can once again develop a long, successful collaboration.”

The experienced manager is still putting the brakes on the euphoria – for tactical reasons: “So that it doesn’t immediately start saying that we will be competing for the championship title again in two years’ time.” That is basically the idea, but you can’t control it. We have a very young team, and the competition is getting bigger and bigger.”

Young team still needs some time

Introducing these young players to adult volleyball and integrating them into the Bundesliga team is one of Miroslav Palgut’s main tasks. This is why regular training was carried out for all men’s teams (state league, 2nd Bundesliga, AVL) in the summer. “It’s been very well received,” says Hahn. “It’s a challenge, of course. But we invest a lot in youth work, so the young players must also be given their chance with the adults.”

This challenge is also noticeable in the preparatory games. “We play well, often lead just before the end of the set, but then can’t get over it and lose narrowly,” says Hahn. “The opponents are more hardened, more experienced. Our team is very young. That’s where you notice the difference between men’s volleyball and junior volleyball. The team simply needs time.”

Pneumonia and shoulder injuries

To make matters worse, the Northmen are currently struggling with a number of injury concerns. Krzysztof Gulak is just coming back from pneumonia, and new middle blocker Kornel Kowalewski is also likely to be out with pneumonia. In addition, Mateusz Sniezek is working on shoulder problems.

This week there are two more duels with league rival Ried on the program, and to round off the preparations they will play against Jihostroj České Budějovice. And then the AVL begins. With a difficult program. In the first two rounds the northerners will face title contenders Aich/Dob (away) and Tirol (at home).

“It’s not a dream draw,” Hahn agrees. “But it’s true, you’ll have to play against them at some point anyway.” But they’re definitely two really good teams to start with.”