Brokking Bullish Ahead Of Battle

Great Britain men’s coach Harry Brokking is upbeat about his team’s chances of overturning a first leg defeat and overcoming Azerbaijan in Saturday’s European Championship first round tie at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield (EIS Sheffield).

The vastly-experienced Dutch coach has been involved in difficult situations in the past and come up trumps and believes anything in possible in the second leg clash.

Great Britain lost 21-25 18-25 22-25 in last Saturday’s away leg in Baku in their first match together for 10 months.

“If we can get on top of them in the first set and stop them doing some of the things they’re capable of, then anything is possible,” insists Brokking, “If everything comes together for us then we can win this 3-0.

“I have no doubt I have the right team and it’s just a question of getting the tactics right on the day.

“It will be difficult. Azerbaijan are a big team with five players over two metres tall and they have improved considerably on last year.

“We will obviously need to perform to our top level and need everyone at the top of their game but we will give it our best shot.

“It was a long trip to Baku last weekend with not much recovery time but we will be better prepared for this match and will have a home crowd behind us.

“I would urge British volleyball fans to get along to the EIS on Saturday and give us their full backing. We know that can make all the difference, especially in the first set where we have to start strongly.”

The former Dutch national team coach is considering making tactical changes ahead of the second leg in a bid to catch Azerbaijan cold in the first set.

The winners of the first round clash advance to face Greece, Finland and Latvia in second round group matches later this month.