No Mari in London

July 16th, 2012 UPDATE:

Coincidentally, Mari wore a “Great Britain” themed shirt during the press conference. How ironic!

So last July 12th, Mari held a press conference to finally air her side on how and why she gut from Brazil’s Olympic team. Here’s what our source says:

“Mari disagrees with the justification that ZRG gave to her. She truly believes that she would be 100% for the Olympic Games and that her experience in the last 2 Olympics would be valuable, even if she would not be in the initial 7 or in the bench.

She also said that she didn’t have much opportunity during the 2012 Gand Prix to show that she is able to play. But since what happened with Fabiola, she said that everything could happen! She said, I don’t recognize him (ZRG) anymore.

Another point that she criticizes Coach Ze is about his decision to take 13 players to London. She thinks that is very unprofessional from his part to do so. This mean that one of the girls will travel to London, but will be back to Brazil because he can only register 12 players by July 26. The reason that he is doing that is called Natalia! He will wait for her till the last minute. Which,means that Natalia will be back to Brazil or another player. And Finally, Mari said is cruel to finish with the OG dream of a player already in London, 1 day before start the games.”

Coach Ze told her about the sad news in the hallway (?). Dang! He couldn’t find a more suitable place to deliver the news. Eventually her teammates found out. Mari called Fabiana then Fabi who got mad when she found out and then Sheilla. When she saw her teammates crying, Mari started to cry as well.

We can sense a tad of bitterness from Mari’s words but at the same time we understand where she’s coming from. With all the player decisions Coach Ze Roberto has taken within the last few weeks, we’re not quite sure the criteria he used to determine on who would play in London.

One thing we know for sure is that the has so much trust and belief on the still-recovering Natalia.

Anyways, are you Team Mari or Team Ze Roberto?

***

We’re really sad for her.

Yesterday, Coach Ze Roberto Guimaraes has officially informed the Brazilian Volleyball Federation that he has excluded 2 time Olympian and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Marianne “Mari” Steinbrecher from his 2012 Olympic squad. The outside hitter, who has struggled maintaining her top and competitive shape, now joins setter Fabiola and middle blocker Juciely on the so called “Alternate List”.

Honestly, we are not surprised with Ze’s decision.

Within the last couple of seasons, Mari has not played her best volleyball. She has failed to improve her passing and defensive skills, her offense has deteriorated, she suffered a minor hand injury earlier this year and the persistent rumors that her “friendship” with longtime teammate, Sheilla Castro, has gone sour. Physically and emotionally, Mari is/was not having the best years of her life since Olympic gold 4 years ago.

So who will play for Brazil in London?

Coach Ze is teasing us big time. While most Olympic qualified teams have released their final rosters, Brazil has not but we have the preliminary roster:

Setters: Dani Lins, Fernandinha

Liberos: Fabi, Camila Brait

Word on the street is that Coach Ze is taking 2 liberos to London which means that Sassa, Natalia and Tandara will fight for the final spot on the roster. Who do we think will make it to London? Our bet is on Tandara as much as wanted to see Sassa playing in her 3rd Olympics. Brazil needs a back up opposite and Tandara is the qualified candidate.

Why not Natalia? Simple because she has been missing in action for several months now due to an injury which required surgery. We don’t think she is in the best shape. Physically maybe but psychologically she’s not. But again, Ze might be taking Natalia instead.

All we can say is may the BEST player make it.

As for Mari, Fabiola and Juciely, don’t give up on your Olympic dreams ladies! Work and train hard for the 2016 Olympics to be hosted by your country. You got 4 years to become STRONGER athletes.

THOUGHTS?