Alas men ready for ‘emotional’ debut, says Frigoni
With four days to go before its historic debut in the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) Volleyball Men’s World Championship, Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni is confident that Alas Pilipinas is ready to show the world what the Filipinos are capable of in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity starting on Friday against Tunisia at Mall of Asia Arena.
“We’re still working. We did everything possible. I’m happy with how they practiced, how they played the last friendly matches. We improved a lot in one year, I don’t know if it’s enough to beat Tunisia in the first match. But until now, I’m pretty happy with what we did,” Frigoni told the reporters in the World Championship media day on Monday at the National Museum.
Frigoni was pleased with the Filipinos’ progress since he took over the program last year, playing several international tournaments and training camps, where they faced top national teams in friendlies.
“I think that we’re pretty confident. But that doesn’t mean anything, we will see them there for the first time in the World Championship. Filipinos never played in the world championship in their volleyball life so it will be emotional,” he said. “We don’t have anything to lose to be on this experience, they must be very relaxed to play with confidence.”
Alas came from a fruitful training camp in Romania, Morocco and Portugal, which it also faced in another friendly here in Manila.
Frigoni said he already has a final roster, but he refused to divulge it until he tells it to the whole squad.
Marck Espejo also expressed the team’s readiness ahead of the Philippines’ first-ever hosting and participation, as they also take on Egypt on Sept. 16 and Iran on Sept. 18 in Pool A.
“It’s an honor to be part of this big event. We’re excited to play and show what Philippine volleyball has to offer to the world,” Espejo said. “To all the volleyball fans, please support us, Alas men, I hope to see you support and pray for us. Hopefully, we put up a good fight, win a set and win games.”
World No. 1 Poland, Algeria, Argentina, Germany and Slovenia arrived in Manila on Sunday. Iran, South Korea, Tunisia, Romania and Portugal also landed days ago.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said it’s all systems go for the opening day, featuring K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer, songwriter and actress Karencitta.
“A lot of support from the Filipino fans, again, we’re one of the best volleyball fans in the world, especially our fan zone. I wish everyone, our Alas Pilipinas, good luck for the first game on Sept. 12. We have an exciting opening ceremony,” said Suzara.
“I think we’re ready. All the FIVB officials are here. The eight teams are here. I wish everyone the best of luck in this first-ever FIVB World Championship with 32 teams.”
