22-MAY-2013
NUNO PINHEIRO: “THIS GROUP HAS
QUALITY AND POTENTIAL”
Returning to the National Team, Nuno Pinheiro is ready to set the Portuguese attack on the FIVB 2013 World League. [Photo: Carlos Neves/CMA]
The last time Pinheiro was called to play for the National Team was in
2008, at the 2009 European Championship Qualifying 3rd round.
With 140
caps – 8th place at the 2002 World Championship, 5th place at the FIVB
2005 World League, among other achievements, like national titles in
Portugal, Belgium and France, Nuno Pinheiro reveals:
“My comeback was natural, as it was something that we’ve been speaking
for some time, and fortunately this year the conditions for me being
here to help the National Team reach its goals are gathered. I’ve a
simple objective, I’m here to help. This is a young group, still in
formation, and will try to help the team grow with my experience”.
How one of the team’s strategists sees the new group?
“This group has quality and potential to be explored. Given the court
position I play, for me it’s a great challenge, as I have to play my
game and also help the team’s grow, without crossing the line of it is
asked by the coach, of course, but maintaining a good communication with
him (Flavio Gulinelli).
Crowned French Champion with Tours VB, Nuno Pinheiro can end this season
in a great way…
“The main objective is not the upcoming FIVB 2013 World League, but the
2014 World Championship Qualification set to January.
This year’s
competition will do to build a strong team to qualify for the 2014 WC.
We’re taking things slow, in a sustainable manner to present the best
team possible on January 2014”.
What can Portugal hope in the FIVB 2013 WL Pool C?
“I believe that with this team and with the opponents that we’ll face,
we’re left with few options. Nevertheless, I believe we can perform well
and put a good show out there, especially at Guimarães for our fans, and
also because it’s always good to play and win at home”.
The National Team departed today to Sofia, Bulgaria, where it will be at
training camp until May 29, in order to prepare its participation in the
FIVB 2013 WL Pool C.
Following the training camp at Bulgaria, the National Team will travel
to Finland to play its first Pool C’s opponent.
May 29 – Sofia / Frankfurt, 16h00 / 17h30 (flight FB 437)
May 29 – Frankfurt / Helsinki, 20h40 / 00h05 (flight LH 852)
The 12 selected players by Flavio Gulinelli will play the two friendly matches against Bulgaria and the two matches against Finland.