Conte and Velasco on TTO
Argentina (3-3) is currently on the second place in Pool D of the FIVB World League behind leaders France (6-0) who has 11 points, Germany is third with 7 points while Japan is the last with just one point.
“We played Japan last weekend in Argentina,” said coach Julio Velasco. “They were some good, interesting games. I’m sure they will play better here. They have played outside their country for three weeks, which is tough.“
Velasco, who took over as Argentina coach in late April after leading Iran to two Asian championships in 2011 and 2013, says he is using the World League as an opportunity to look over his new charges.
“This is my first year with Argentina, so I am testing and using different players now,” he said. “The philosophy of a coach must be very pragmatic. Each team has to find a balance between the different aspects of the game. This is what we are looking at now. This is the best way to do it, rather than using the same system with different teams.”
Velasco said he enjoyed his time in Iran, but that the pull of his native country brought him back home.
“I was very happy to work in Iran these past years,” he commented. “I am very happy the Iran team continues to win. Argentina is a special country. It is my country and I have lived outside it for 31 years. I made the move more for emotional reasons than professional reasons.”
Argentina will be without the services of Pablo Bengolea, who was injured during the victories over Japan.
Facundo Conte led Argentina’s sweep over Japan with 36 points in the two matches last weekend.
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