In his tenth column, the former national coach explains how he assesses the tournament conclusion against Poland, which he so expected, and what he thinks of the performances of Johannes Voigtmann and former captain Robin Benzing.
The game against Poland went as I expected. It’s understandable that one had hoped for a clearer, more beautiful and better played out victory. But after such a long tournament with so many games and the high mental pressure of wanting to live up to the goal we set ourselves of winning a medal in our own country, our heads and legs are tired. Especially after the disappointment of losing to Spain. Even if there was a lot at stake, namely a bronze medal at a European Championship in one’s own country, games like that happen.
That’s why I’m not at all disappointed with how the game went. On the contrary, I’m very happy that the boys were rewarded, that they had the bite and the high scoring rate from beyond the three-point line that had distinguished them throughout the tournament. In this respect, we can be very, very satisfied and happy with the tournament and the bronze medal, even if of course there is always a bit of a teary eye because the team was so close in the semi-final against the renewed European champions Spain.
Before the tournament started, I expected Johannes Voigtmann to play a dominant role in this team because I really appreciate him and his game. There are few centres or big players in Europe who play so cleverly, who can score both inside and outside, have such a well-developed understanding of the game as he does, who can also pass and are selfless. Against Poland he was a very decisive, maybe the decisive factor. You could see time and again how he tried to animate the team to an even better defensive performance. The whole package was right. In this very important game, he showed what he can do and what makes him stand out.
I’m sure the lack of rhythm after his incomplete club season hurt him a bit after he left Russia and his club ZSKA Moscow directly because of the war of aggression on Ukraine at the end of February, which you have to give him credit for. It’s nice to see that he managed to put his stamp on the game in an important match and appear dominant.
After the much-discussed and also problematic non-nomination for the tournament, and the likely conclusion of his national team career as a result, Robin Benzing showed greatness by coming to the hall for the third-place match and supporting the team. He demonstrated the identification with the national team and his boys that has distinguished him for so many years. He was someone who was always there and played, no matter whether there were private or other obstacles. You have to give him a lot of credit for that. On this Sunday, he once again proved his character, his selflessness and his unconditional identification.
