Alas Pilipinas will begin their new journey with Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni in the upcoming SEA V.League.
Former national team head coach Dante Alinsunurin voiced his appreciation for Italian coach Angelo Frigoni, whose influence has been pivotal in elevating Alas Pilipinas’ performance and preparation ahead of the Southeast Asian (SEA) V.League.
Alinsunurin, who serves as an assistant coach for Alas, emphasized Frigoni's dedication and expertise, which have significantly benefited both the team's players and coaches.
Frigoni is a two-time Olympian, having led the Italian women's team in the 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Games. He was officially appointed as Alas coach by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) last June following a recommendation by the FIVB.
[ALSO READ: Italian Angiolino Frigoni named as new Alas Pilipinas Men head coach]
Since joining the national team, Alinsunurin said that Frigoni has brought a fresh perspective to the squad, addressing long-standing challenges faced by the men's national volleyball team.
"Syempre ako sobrang thankful kasi may dumating na ganung tao na nagtiya-tiyaga samin para tumaas pa ‘yung level ng style ng play namin dito sa national team kasi in the past years talaga, ‘yun ang nagiging problema namin, kung paano maiangat ‘yung men’s,” Alinsunurin told reporters.
“Talagang tyinatiyaga niya kami hindi nga lang players eh, pati coaches natututo kami sa ginagawa niya. Sobrang nakakainspire lagi pumunta ng training kasi marami kang mapupulot sa kanya, hindi lang players pati coaches,” he added.
Alinsunurin noted the progress within the team since Frigoni's arrival, stating that the competition level among team members has significantly increased.
“Ang nakikita ko is tumataas talaga eh, tumataas ‘yung competition within the team pa lang talaga. Kasi dati talagang [nung] nagco-coach ako, kung ihahalintulad ko sa sitwasyon ngayon sobrang taas na,” said the Choco Mucho Flying Titans coach
“Masasabi ko na malaki ‘yung chance namin mas umangat pa ‘yung laro namin na kung ano ‘yung nangyari samin last SEA Games, mas i-angat pa namin siguro dahil sa ginagawa niyang training sa team,” he added.
Frigoni will make his debut as Alas men's head tactician from August 16 to 18 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where the first leg of the SEA V.League will take place.
The Philippines will face Vietnam first on Friday, August 16, at 6 p.m.
Alas’ core lineup for the SEA V.League will include Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Kim Malabunga, and Joshua Retamar among others.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas banners Alas Pilipinas Men for SEA V.League]
Assisting Frigoni are Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, Odjie Mamon, trainer Dexter Clamor, physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba, and team manager Jerome Guhit.