Iran Not Afraid of Russia, Brazil, Slobodan Kovac Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iran volleyball coach Slobodan Kovac said that they are not worried about facing Russia and Brazil in the FIVB Volleyball World League Pool I.
Iran will face Russia on Wednesday in the competitions, which will be held in Florence, Italy from July 16 to 20.
“We started the competition as an underdog - with Brazil, the number one seed, Italy, the third, and Poland, number six, in our group,” Kovac told AFP at a training session in Tehran's Azadi stadium before arriving in Florence.
“We must respect our opponents but should not be afraid of them. We have a big appetite and we will play our best game in Italy,” the Serbian coach added.
Iran's players must gain international experience to improve further, according to Kovac.
“In European clubs, for example, they will have to fight for a starting place, whereas in Iran their spot is guaranteed,” he said.
Iran is scheduled to play Brazil on Friday.
Pool H consists of host Italy, the US and Australia.