Mexico City, Mexico, June 16, 2016- After qualifying to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games just two weeks ago, the Mexican men’s national team must concentrate on the huge challenge ahead as they prepare to host Pool E3 of the FIVB Volleyball World League from June 17 to 19.
World No.24 Mexico will welcome Germany (9), Spain (38) and Montenegro (50), with the three visiting teams arriving in Mexico City on Tuesday.
The competition will be held at the iconic Gimnasio Olimpicio Juan de la Barrera and is the third time Mexico has welcomed the tournament, the same number of times the country has competed.
For Mexico coach Jorge Azair, the euphoria of earning a first Olympic berth since the country hosted the event at Mexico City 1968 is still palpable among his players.
"Actually I am still excited for earning the Olympic berth too, but now our focus must turn to World League which is a challenging competition."
"I want to be realistic, this is our third consecutive year being part of the most important annual event in the FIVB and we have been focused for the past months on remaining among the best teams worldwide, but it’s not an easy task."
"The team is coming out of several rest days, the players really needed a physical recovery from the Pan American Cup and the World Olympic Qualification; but mentally we are highly motivated and with high hopes of doing well."
Two players from the team presented during the World Olympic Qualifier will be missing this first week, among them captain Carlos Guerra who’s leadership was crucial for Mexico’s Olympic qualification.
Both changes are part of the national team preparation that started several months ago.
Mexico will begin their 2016 FIVB World League campaign facing Spain on Friday, they will play against Montenegro on Saturday and on Sunday they will conclude Pool B matches against Germany.
Azair added, “This is a good moment for volleyball in Mexico; we hope to have our fans support, making this a highly-competitive event and continue to perform at our best, with responsibility."
Mexico roster for this weekend: Daniel Vargas, Ivan Arturo Marquez, Marco Macias, Jesus Rangel, Jesus Alberto Perales, Jorge Quiñonez, Julian Duarte, Pedro Rangel (C), Jorge Barajas, Samuel Cordova, Tomas Aguilera, Nestor Orellana, Jose Roberto Mendoza, Jose Martinez.