There is still a lot of work to be done for Groningen’s Samin Lycurgus volleyball players. It is clear that Dynamo is very strong in the first training match

This in itself does not say much. After all, the people of Groningen are still less prepared than their opponent. In addition, Lycurgus’ much-rejuvenated squad is still far from complete and is missing players due to injuries and international commitments. For example, new international Geoffrey Kluke, who played the European Championship with the Dutch national team, only joined the squad at the beginning of October. The libero will participate in the Olympic qualifiers in China from the end of September, where he can obtain two tickets to Paris.

Arjan Taij, who begins his 11th season as coach, then spoke to his players about his thoughts on the match at the Alpha College Sports Centre. The always critical Groninger has seen enough of what could be much better, and the passing in particular still leaves a lot to be desired. Lycurgus was better at blocking, with newcomer Robin Boekhoudt asserting himself. The 2.05m midfielder has won the national title with the Dynamo in the last two years. He began a new adventure in Lycurgus.

It wasn’t good from a distance

“It was far from good,” concluded Tighe. “But that’s not surprising. It was a baptism by fire for a number of the boys. They are here on the pitch for the first time and also as a team. We are also very incomplete, we have trained and played very little. Then we struggle with the level that is inherent in where we are at the time.” “This made things difficult for us.”

Lycurgus still has to do without American acquisitions Cal Fisher (diagonal runner) and Cole Gillis (passing runner) due to injuries. Tighe: “Hopefully they will be fit again in time. We also know that Cloke will be back soon and Kyle McCauley (currently on his way to the US Under-23 team, editor). Fisher had minor meniscus surgery. He is now recovering from that. “We’re a little more concerned about Gillis, who has serious complaints with his patellar tendon. He already had some complaints, but we really noticed it when he trained with us for the first time. There’s still a lot of work to do.”

Very satisfied with the composition of this team

Of course, the goal of Lycurgos, who won the National Cup last season, is to win the Premier League title. “This is no different than other years,” Taig said. “We are very satisfied with the composition of this team. If the players who cannot participate yet join, it will help raise the whole level. Today was the first time for Niels Kuijbens (libero, ed.) and Arjan Vistra (midfielder) to reach this level. They are Need time to get used to the speed and pressure of the game.

23-year-old American Cole Boughner will serve as playmaker alongside Sam Gorthus, who has returned to his old home in Groningen after two seasons in Belgium. “It was good to play this match and see where we compare to a strong team like Dynamo,” said Bogner, who is having a great time in Groningen. “It’s beautiful here. I chose Lycurgus for more reasons: volleyball, the area, the players and the coaches. All together. I want to gain experience and improve.” He calls himself a die-hard player. “I like to play fast.”

I expect we can still make significant progress

Routinier Niels de Vries is ready for another season as one of the top volleyball players after undergoing surgery on his elbow. “Seven pieces of bone have been removed. As a result, I can rotate and extend my arms again, but the muscles still have some complaints at first. In terms of our game, there is room for improvement. It’s not crazy. You shouldn’t expect too much from your first training match.” “For you. We still have more than a month until the start of the season. I expect that we can still make great progress.”