Almadro found himself in the PVL finals in just his first conference with the Angels.
When the Petro Gazz Angels signed Oliver Almadro back in January, many PVL fans wondered, and doubted, if the Ateneo Blue Eagles coach can lead his new squad back to the finals.
Almadro was filling in the shoes of coach Rald Ricafort, who led the Angels to the championship in the previous tourney, the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference. Petro Gazz also lost the services of star spiker Myla Pablo, who transferred to the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
“Few months ago, people doubted me, they didn't trust in me. Ako din, nawalan din ako ng credibility, I mean nawala 'yung trust ko sa sarili ko,” said Almadro during Game 3’s post-game press conference on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A few months later, Almadro and Petro Gazz proved that they still have what it takes to become one of the best teams in the league. In Game 2 of the finals against Creamline Cool Smashers, leading the series 1-0, they were just a set win away from winning the All-Filipino title.
Although they lost that chance and eventually bowed down in the deciding Game 3, Almadro and the Angels held their heads high. The veteran coach has nothing but gratitude to the Petro Gazz ownership for giving him the chance in the first place.
“The Petro Gazz family, the Villavicencios gave me their trust and indeed when I heard them now, they're saying that they're happy and proud na nakarating pa rin sila dito despite of those players that were missing, so I'm thankful to the Petro Gazz family for trusting me,” said Almadro.
Petro Gazz will have a lot to look forward to in the coming conferences as they look to finally reach the mountaintop once more.
“We're shy of one set away from that championship and sabi ko nga, we will not stop here and we will work harder to reach that destination,” the tactician added.