October 25th, 2013

Stephane’s first interview as the new coach of Poland.

“I am really very happy with this decision of the Polish federation, it is a great honor. It was an honor that I received such a proposal because, of course, I did not expect.”

Did it take some time to decide?

“This season, I joined Skra Belchatow (Polish club team) and I started a new project with them. You know, I’m a player, not a coach, which is really a big surprise to everyone around us. When I got the offer, I thought about it a lot and I talked to Miguel Falascą, Konrad Piechockim and with people from the organization. I wanted to make sure that we’d really get along, so that everyone will be satisfied with my work in the future”.

Many wonder on how your new job will affect your commitment as a player to Skra?

“Now, I’ll have more focus on PlusLiga and European competition. Of course, I’ve done it so far, but not to the extent that now I have to analyze every game and always keep my eyes open. I need to be more ambitious approach now. Of course, I will also have a help in Philippe Blain, who is a very good coach, we worked together for many years in the French national team. By the way, he has the experience – I do not have it. We will see..”

(source: siatka.org)

October 24th, 2013

It’s official!

Polish Federation has fired Andrea Anastasi and has hired Stephane Antiga to coach Poland up to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Coach Antiga’s major task is to prepare his team for the 2014 World Championship to be hosted by Poland.

Rumor has it too that fallen Polish superstar Mariusz Wlazly will rejoin the team now that Anastasi is no longer the coach.

Dang!

October 23rd, 2013

Let’s not doubt what Stephane can do but let’s hope that he has what it takes to please the Polish Federation if he gets hired to replace Andrea Anastasi.

From the Polish Federation:

In view of the emerging media reports about the change of coach of the Polish team – Polish Volleyball Federation announces that in accordance with the applicable procedures – the Board PZPS has the only authority to decide on the cast of the Polish national trainers feature.

The Management Board of the Polish Volleyball Federation in consultation with the Department of Education may decide on any change of personnel and cast the Polish national team coaching staff men. Until then, speculation will not be discussed by the Polish Volleyball Federation.

It’s pretty obvious that Anastasi is getting the boot.

Thoughts?

More about Stephane Antiga…

Stephane is a two time European Championship silver medalist. Internationally, Stephane represented his team and won a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championship. He has played more than 250 times for France and retired in 2011 after 13 years with the national team.

Professionally, he currently plays for Skra Belchatow and has played for Paris UC (France), Paris Volley (France), Bre Banca Cuneo (Italy) Portol Mallorca (Spain) and Delecta Bydgoszcz (Poland).

If he gets appointed as the coach, then he will be one of the youngest coaches in international volleyball at 37.

(images: FIVB)