Remy Palma reveals that Petro Gazz is still adjusting to Coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s system, but the Angels remain optimistic and committed to improving for the next PVL season.
After two conferences with coach Koji Tsuzurabara, team captain Remy Palma admitted that the Petro Gazz Angels are still adjusting to the Japanese tactician’s style.
The Angels have shown they have what it takes to become PVL champions. Despite being favorites to bag the crown, Petro Gazz failed to make it to the finals in the past two conferences.
The defending champions in the Reinforced Conference were easily swept by the undermanned Creamline Cool Smashers in the quarterfinals, marking an early exit for the title favorites.
After their match, Palma admitted that they are still working on adapting to Tsuzurabara’s unique coaching style.
“Siguro po masasabi ko talaga may sarili siyang style of volleyball. Hindi man perfect, pero nagagawan namin ng paraan,” Palma told reporters during Petro Gazz’s exit interview.
“Kasi total team effort talaga eh, volleyball eh. Hindi siya like individual event, kunware parang boxing, sarili mo 'yung desisyon mo, sarili mo 'yung diskarte mo,” she added.
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The transition has been a learning process for the Angels as they work to embrace and apply the Japanese coach's strategies and philosophies.
Palma emphasized the importance of team cohesion and the collective effort required to align with the coach’s vision.
"'Pag sa team ka talaga, kailangan 'yung adaptation mo dun sa gustong mangyari ng coach mo, nandun din 'yon. Kailangan mong yakapin. Kailangan mong intindihin, kailangan mong i-apply. Siguro proseso pa rin eh,” said Palma.
One of the team's biggest hurdles is the language barrier, which Palma acknowledges but refuses to use as an excuse.
Despite the challenges, Palma also expressed gratitude for Tsuzurabara’s patience and commitment to the team.
“Sabihin natin, aminin natin meron talagang language barrier. Hindi mawawala 'yon. Pero hindi namin siya pwedeng gawing factor, andiyan lang siya pero wino-workout namin,” Palma emphasized.
“Kay coach Koji naman, thankful ako sa kanya kasi mahaba din naman 'yung pasensya niya. May mga times na hindi man kami nagkakasundo lahat, pero wala eh. Team namin 'to e. Ilalaban namin 'yung team namin kahit ano'ng mangyari,” she added.
[ALSO READ: ‘She was our hero’ | Koji Tsuzurabara lauds Remy Palma’s leadership in Petro Gazz’s PVL escape over Creamline]
Looking ahead, Palma is optimistic about the team’s growth and is hopeful for better results in future competitions.
The 28-year-old middle blocker recognizes that the upcoming conferences will be particularly demanding, but she is confident that the team’s rigorous preparation will pay off.
Palma and the Angels are eager to make the necessary adjustments and improvements under Tsuzurabara’s system, with the captain noting that the longer format of the next All-Filipino Conference will provide ample opportunities to showcase their development.
“Sana mas maipakita namin next conference kasi mahaba 'yung next conference eh. It's anybody's game na naman, anybody's game kung sino'ng manalo, kung sino'ng matalo, kasi napakahaba e. So 'yung preparation namin niyan madugo talaga,” said Palma.
As Petro Gazz continues to fine-tune their game, fans can expect a determined and resilient squad ready to rise to the challenges of the next PVL season.