JIA de Guzman stood by her Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito amid public ire on his player choices and in-game decision-making in the recent international campaign of the national team.
Fans were left frustrated over the last few weeks because of how de Brito’s ‘mix-and-match’ approach has failed to maximize the potential of the team which is stacked with a pool of stars.
READ: Alas asserts mastery of Indonesia for another SEA V.League bronze
De Brito was crucified for switching players away from their natural positions and for leaving big names on the bench for an extended period. But de Guzman defended de Brito’, saying those were part of the coach's tactics and critics should respect them.
“Regarding du’n sa question mo about the mixing and matching of players, it's what is needed in the national team, especially with tournaments na every day naglalaro,” the Alas Women's captain said.
“It's not like the local tournaments we play na you can stick to a specific seven and then you get to rest 4-5 days before the next game. Ito, every game naglalaro and we're expected to play with anyone who is put inside the court.
“Ngayon, it shows that whether young ones or experienced ones, we're all comfortable playing with each other and that's because start pa lang nu’ng [national team] season na ito, pati last year, sila coach [Jorge de Brito] did everything to encourage us to play and perform with whoever else is inside the court.”
Their coach might be on the receiving end of fans’ grievances when things don’t swing the Nationals’ way, but de Guzman is certain that everyone within the national team program has full faith in de Brito’s long-term vision and system which some may not agree with.
“At the end of the day, we're all playing in the same system, we're all trusting in the same system, so it should be easier for us to work together kahit sinong pumasok sa loob,” she said.
“It just goes to show na whoever is put inside, kung sinoman kaming nasa labas, we totally support kung sino ang papasok sa loob. We're grateful that things are going our way and sana tuloy-tuloy ang support.”
Unfortunately for the team and the coach, social media usually attract unwarranted hate towards the national team and its players, especially when the team loses. But at the same time, there are praises and many unsolicited advice.
For the fans, by the fans
For de Guzman, who’s been through the highs and lows in Philippine volleyball over the last decade, an active fanbase is a positive sign.
“We're happy that a lot of people and fans are very invested in the sport, especially the national team kasi siyempre we're bringing pride to the country, we're doing our best talaga to show up and build something long term,” de Guzman said.
“But at the same time, everyone that came into this team knew what we were signing up for […] We're grateful that a lot of people are talking about.
“’Yun lang talaga, we trust the system, we trust the coaches and we're just here to show up every day.”
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