Lausanne, Switzerland, February 9, 2017 – Andrea Giani has been chosen as the man to lead Germany’s men’s team having recently left his post as head coach to Slovenia, where he coached the central European nation to unprecedented success.
Germany have enjoyed success in recent years, notably bronze at the Poland 2016, FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship and gold at the CEV 2015 European Championship.
However, they missed out on the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games even though Berlin was the host city for the European Olympic Qualifier. This year their main aim is to qualify for the Italy/Bulgaria 2018 World Championship as well as finish on the podium at the Poland 2017, European Championship.
“I am really looking forward to the new challenge, because I see great potential among the players, the association and the sports culture of this country,” Giani said. “I believe in work and the strength of the people in our group. Four points are fundamental for me: communication, faith in the project, discipline and attitude.”
As a player the Naples-born Giani was part of Italy’s highly successful side from the 1990’s and won 474 caps for the Azzurri. He won two Olympic silver and one bronze, three World Championship titles, six World League titles and four European Championship gold medals.
After he turned his hand to coaching he led Slovenia as they won FIVB Volleyball World League Group 3 and then followed up by winning silver at the CEV European Championships. However, his contract ran out in July and he has decided not to renew it.
“I am delighted because I have heard nothing but positive things about Andrea Giani, whom I myself have not yet known personally,” setter Lukas Kampa said.
“It is a good choice because he is a young coach who has shown with Slovenia that he can shape and lead a team, develop young players and have a clear idea how to play volleyball. He is, of course, a playing legend and an aspiring coach, I am very, very excited by his appointment.”