The defeat against Ukraine was the final nail in the coffin of the Red Dragons, but playmaker Stijn D’Hulst knows it has gone wrong before. “The loss to Portugal was crucial.”
“As a result, we had to win against a Ukraine that is playing well. We were confident and started well. We just couldn’t keep up.”
“So we had it in our own hands, but it just wasn’t good enough. We expected a lot from this European Championship, but it failed.”
D’Hulst does not want to use the fitting in of a new generation as an excuse. “Those young men have done very well. Congratulations on how they have adapted to the international level. I am proud that I was able to train them.”
And the national coach, the Spaniard Muñoz? Will he be allowed to stay? “That will certainly be discussed in the evaluation after the European Championship. But first we have to look at ourselves.”
–
Hendrik Tuerlinckx also does not hide that the early elimination is a bitter disappointment. “But there were doubts before the tournament.”
“We are playing a mediocre summer and even a bad Final Four (of the European Volleyball League). We have to admit that it was not good, so there can be criticism.”
“We are doing our very best, but we just fall short. I believe in our talents, but steps still have to be taken.”
“The group that is now gradually disappearing (including Tuerlinckx himself) also took a few years to reach this level. The fans of Belgian volleyball will just have to be patient for a few years.”
–
