Travica
“Rio de Janeiro, Saturday evening. There was an Italian restaurant just a few hundred meters from our hotel. We decided not to overeat at hotel, because we really felt like eating Italian pizza and pasta. So there we go, walking toward the restaurant, while ocean waves create a fascinating sound next to us. There was a positive energy that we needed so much. We did not have a training on Sunday, it was time to relax a bit before the final games.”
“We reached the restaurant somewhere around 22:00, ordered some food, and then we received a message… From Mauro Berruto. He wrote that we have to be back within 23:30… We were puzzled. It was our free day. We did not want to go back to hotel. We were fully aware that we were disobeying a rule, but we did not feel any guilt at the time.”
“There was not a good relationship between players and the coaching staff. The atmosphere was tense, and it was like we walked on different paths. We simply wanted to clear our heads, to feel freedom before important games. Every player needs it. So we went for a walk, then we sat at one bar and ordered the classic Brazilian drink Caipirinha. There was a really nice atmosphere. Finally. We talked about the Final-Six, we were regaining confidence and we knew that the medal is within our reach…”
“In the following morning I felt something is wrong, but I chose not to think about it. But, in the evening, we had an urgent meeting. Someone from our coaching staff saw us at the bar and informed Berruto. As, I said, I was fully aware that I was disobeying a rule, and that everyone should pay a price when such thing happens. But, I think that we paid more than enough. Every day I think that my expulsion was not just a disciplinary matter. I am ashame to admit it, but it seems that he is stronger than me (Berruto). I do not know what were the real reasons. And when I am not sure about something I prefer not to express opinions.”
HERE you can read the full blog written by Dragan Travica.
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0 comment
You dissobayed the TEAM rules and is normal to pay the consequences! Team before the single player…
The game times played in Brazil were all in the morning.
Italian players should not stayed up that late.
For sure it was more ! Young setter is a future, and you are not a high class !