Facundo Morando: "Most of my work is done"

The Oberbank Steelvolleys Linz-Steg can compete for the domestic volleyball championship title on Thursday (8:25 p.m. in ORF Sport Plus) with a win in Vienna over Sokol / Post 2-0 in the “Best of 5” final series.

The self-confidence is right: The 3-0 in the first home game last Sunday spoke a clear language – at least on paper. “That was one of our best games this season,” says captain Lisa-Marie Hager, meaning that Sokol’s 41 percent attack rate is usually enough for a win.

Only that of the women from Linz (50 percent) was simply better that day. No major changes are therefore necessary for the second match. “The reception could be a little better, we could also start with more pressure in service,” says Hager, who has been involved in Steg’s three championship titles so far.

Several trainings canceled

In view of the well-running Steg-“Werkel”, it is not surprising that coach Facundo Morando took his foot off the gas noticeably during his daily work. If the Argentinian, who will become assistant coach of his home team after this season, canceled a session before the first final, the players were also given a day off on Wednesday morning.

In addition, the training is rather shorter. “Most of my work is done,” explains Morando that only fine adjustments are possible during a final series. Now the main thing is that his players are lively. “An Italian trainer colleague once said that it is better to have a fresh horse than a tired one,” says the 35-year-old, who has already worked as a coach in Italy.

If his players manage to win the second game on Thursday, they could secure the fourth championship title in the club’s history in Linz-Kleinmünchen on Sunday. “Even the first final game offered a mega atmosphere with more than 500 spectators. It would be great if it could be like that again,” says Hager.