SHOCKING INDEED.
The day after Christmas, Giovanni Guidetti and The Dutch Volleyball Federation sadly announced that they are parting ways after Coach Guidetti resigned from his position so he could spend more time with his wife, Turkish middle blocker Bahar Toksoy, and daughter, Alison, born last September.
Guidetti’s Statement:
“In the end I didn’t choose what was best for me, but what is best for my family. I had the choice to be with my daughter Alison twelve months a year instead of six. This changed everything.
This was the hardest decision I had to make in my entire life. I’m leaving a great team with great players and great staff in the middle of a successful journey. The last two years were an incredible experience for me. The synergy between myself, the staff, the players, the fans, the federation, the sponsors, the people at the national training centre Papendal and the media was perfect. Everybody gave me the feeling I was the luckiest coach in the world.
“I am sure this team is strong and mature enough to continue their journey. It is a great group of players which will keep being successful. I will never forget all the special moments I experienced with this team.”
In case you didn’t know, Guidetti led Holland to a silver medal at the 2015 European Championship, bronze medal at the 2016 FIVB Grand Prix and a historic return to the Olympics this year with the Oranjes finishing 4th.
Dutch Players React
“I am very surprised and disappointed with his choice. Together we started a journey towards Tokyo two years ago, unfortunately we have to go on without him. I am grateful towards Giovanni for everything that he has done for the team, and I wish him all the best in his career.” -Maret Balkestein
“I was one of the first few people he talked to about his resignation. He now has a family and his family comes first. He wants to spend more time with his family in Istanbul, especially during the summer. I don’t have a child so I really can’t judge his decision. I respect it but still I’m shocked and disappointed as well.” -Lonneke Sloetjes
“I absolutely didn’t see this coming. I am very shocked and disappointed. It could have been a nice journey. I understand his choice to be with his family. I wish him and his family happiness and love.” -Anne Buijs
New Coach Of Turkey?
According to some sources, Guidetti will be the new coach of Turkey’s women’s team. The Turkish Federation recently parted ways with Ferhat Akbas.
Stay tuned.