China coach Heynen confident ahead of Volleyball Nations League Xi'an leg

XI'AN, June 10 (Xinhua) -- China head coach Vital Heynen says his team is ready to face the challenge with renewed spirit ahead of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Xi'an leg, which opens on Wednesday.

"I am very happy with how we are training. I think we have so many big injuries to handle, [but] even with that, we do a very good job until now," Heynen said at the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday.

"I don't talk about winning or losing, I want great matches [from the players]," added the Belgian, who has been at the helm of the team for over a year.

After returning to the VNL stage following a one-year absence, China began its VNL campaign with a 3-1 win in a friendly against Serbia in Xi'an last week.

The host nation faces world-class opponents in the Xi'an leg, including Japan, Serbia, the Netherlands and Turkiye.

"Many of our players are recovering from injuries, and the team has been going through changes over the past two months," said captain Jiang Chuan.

"We're fully committed. Starting with our opening match against Japan, we will give our all and aim for a result that we can be proud of."

China finished last in the 2023 VNL, placing 16th. The team starts the Xi'an leg against Japan on Wednesday.

Despite undergoing a roster transition, world No. 6 Japan, last year's VNL runner-up, continues to show belief in its title ambitions.

"Our goal is to reach the podium, and even to win the championship," said Japan's Shoma Tomita. ■