Gaby Pérez del Solar addressed the Peruvian press to share her opinions on the Peruvian volleyball team and its coaches. The former player, who was part of the Olympic team in Seoul 1988, particularly highlighted the figure of Natalia Málaga in her role as a coach.
Pérez del Solar commented on Antonio Rizola, the current head coach of the bi-colored team, admitting that she does not know him personally and that her experience is limited to her relationship with Málaga. She expressed her disagreement with the perception she has about some coaches who, in her opinion, do not engage enough in training the players. “Sometimes, there are things on social media that make me angry, but this time I did say that coaches are coaches. They need to train the players, not just direct them,” she stated on the program Quinto Set.
The former central player emphasized that the difference in training quality is noticeable. “Out of all the coaches in the league, apart from Natalia, none of them get on a table to throw mates or show how to fall,” she commented. She continued pointing out that while coaches may be tactically excellent, they are not always willing to participate physically in practices, which is critical for the development of the players.
Pérez del Solar recalled the method of Man Bok Park, who demonstrated his commitment by getting physically involved in training sessions. “I don’t know if I’m being clear. I don’t want to create controversy: it’s another generation of coaches,” she emphasized.
Regarding Natalia Málaga, the former player mentioned that her teaching style is exemplified by her experience with her daughters, highlighting that “if I fall to the ground, I won’t get back up at this point. But Natalia, to this day, can still do it.” Additionally, she believed that assistants sometimes take on roles that should be the responsibility of the head coach, referring to the positive impact of a coach who is physically active during practices.
On the possibility of Málaga returning to the senior national team, Pérez del Solar stated that she could be more effective in developmental categories. “I think Nati could be a better coach at the younger, youth, or minor levels. She likes to train, she likes to teach,” she concluded, suggesting that her approach might be more suitable for developing new players.
Source: www.infobae.com
