ALAS Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s stern persona was eased by the nationals’ gutsy performance against Japan ace spiker Yuji Nishida’s star-studded club Osaka Bluteon.
In a rare show of calmness - albeit only willing to entertain one question from the media after their 27-29, 23-25, 12-25 loss - the Italian mentor heaped praise on one particular aspect of Alas’ game: on-court attentiveness.
While it wasn’t enough for the victory, just the thought of standing toe-to-toe with some of world volleyball’s biggest names was one Frigoni was more than pleased with.
“The performance was very good for the first two sets. To play at this level, you need a lot of attention. The level of attention must always be very high,” said Frigoni, who has been described by his wards to be strict.
“Against this level, it is very difficult. So I am happy.”
Alas lacks stars, but not fight
Three national team mainstays weren’t in the lineup that took on the Japanese side in the Invitationals: Bryan Bagunas, Owa Retamar, and Marck Espejo.
While Bagunas is out with an undisclosed injury, Espejo will begin his third Japan club stint with Kubota Spears Osaka as Retamar is being rested for the time being.
But even with huge voids in the team, reigning SEA V.League best outside hitter Buds Buddin and second setter EJ Casaña underscored the importance of a ‘no-pressure’ approach regardless of who’s there and who’s not for the nationals.
“Sa’min naman, no pressure, chill lang sa loob ng court and laging nag-uusap and communication din. Number 1 sa’min ‘yun na dapat i-improve, ‘yung communication para less pressure,” said Buddin.
"Dapat pagdating din sa mga crucial games, dapat ma-handle namin ‘yung ganung klaseng level ng kalaban."
Casaña added: “Kahit wala si Owa, kinakausap kami lagi ni coach Frigoni na mag-ready lang palagi and sa training pa lang, du’n na namin uumpisahan. Alam namin na malayo pa kami kaya sa training pero talagang pinupukpok kami nang pinupukpok ni coach.”
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