CZE - "You will see us smile when we succeed in our group", said the Czech coach

KARLOVY VARY (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women) – The Czech coach Lubor Blažek accepted the draw for the 16th FIBA World Championship for Women with humbleness. He is well aware of how strong the competitors in Group C (Russia, Argentine, Japan) are. And his respect remains even though the Czech players have recently been able to beat all these countries in important battles. “I have thought that our competitors would be even stronger, but it cannot be said that this group playing in Brno is in any way easy,” commented the coach after the draw at the Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary.

Blažek naturally considers the Russian team to be the strongest competitor as they are the traditional rivals for the Czech Republic. “It is a team that usually makes it to the finals. It is a basketball superpower,” he confirmed, and went on to warn his players against other competitors: “Japan knows how to surprise, and we are not used to the Asian style of game. The South American players also have a good team. I don’t want to judge now whether the draw has been favorable. We will be able to say that and you will see us smile, only when we succeed in our group,” he added.

Blažek is not afraid of any great pressure to be put on the Czech players in Brno in September. He believes that his team is able to deal with the expectations of the fans. “I am convinced that the pressure coming from the sports public will be fair and motivating. Playing in your own country must be an advantage,” Blažek emphasized. Furthermore, the names of eight players who will definitely be participating in the World Championship for were announced. They are Kulichová, Elhotová, Bednářová, Horáková, Vítečková, Veselá, Večeřová, and Burgrová. The coach thinks that announcing a part of the nominated players in advance is a good move from a psychological point of view. “I want the girls to be motivated to work hard and to have a clear goal,” Blažek concluded.