It would’ve been more amazing if Germany’s women’s team also qualified!
Anyways, Coach Vital Heynen, who took over the team since April, has this to say about his Olympic squad:
“We do not feel that much pressure as this has already been the most successful season for Germany men’s national team in many years”.
“They are always fully focused as they train, but I also think the players shall have their share of fun. This is my personal approach and the way I see my function. I would definitely regret or feel uncomfortable if one of my players said, by the end of a workout, that he has completed an ordinary training session, which indirectly means he has been working under the guidance of an average, ordinary coach”. when asked on how come his players appeared relaxed and having too much fun at practice.
The following 12 athletes will represent Germany at the 2012 Olympics:
Libero: Markus Steuerwald
Setter: Simon Tischer, Lukas Kampa
Middle Blocker: Max Gunthor, Marcus Bohme, Christian Dunnes
Outside Hitter: Sebastian Schwarz, Bjorn Andrae, Marcus Popp, Denys Kaliberda
Opposite Hitters: Gyorgy Grozer, JochenSchops
Germany’s key player?
It would be none other than Gyorgy Grozer who is playing the best season of his life as far as we can remember. Let’s hope he won’t have bad day because it would definitely be tough for Germany to advance to the next round sans Grozer.
Take note, Grozer and team is in Pool A with Brazil, Russia, Serbia, USA and Tunisia. No wonder this pool is known as the Pool of Death!
What Do You You Think of Germany’s Roster?
(images: FIVB)