Poland’s national volleyball team faces a major shakeup as head coach Nikola Grbić unveiled his squad for the 2026 season, omitting several veteran stars in what has been described as a revolutionary selection.
The announcement, made on Thursday, April 16, 2026, confirmed the absence of longtime captain Bartosz Kurek, alongside other experienced players including Łukasz Kaczmarek, Grzegorz Łomacz, Norbert Huber, Bartosz Bednorz, and Bartosz Kwolek. The decision marks a significant shift in direction for the Polish squad as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Grbić emphasized that selection is based on full availability and commitment to the national team program, stating that he expects players to be ready to participate when called upon. His approach has drawn attention for its firm stance on athlete availability, particularly in cases where players have expressed preferences about their involvement in specific tournaments.
The omission of Bartosz Bednorz sparked particular discussion, with the player himself addressing the situation publicly. Bednorz stated that the decision to leave him out was not related to health issues, countering earlier assumptions about his fitness. He acknowledged the coach’s right to make selections based on team needs and performance evaluations.
In related developments, reports indicated that one player declined a call-up in the final moments before the announcement, reportedly communicating his decision via phone call while at the airport. This last-minute withdrawal added to the list of absentees for the upcoming season.
Grbić’s actions have generated strong reactions across Polish volleyball circles, with some commentators describing his leadership style as assertive and decisive. The coach has been noted for making firm decisions regarding team composition, including instances where he has reacted strongly to challenges to his authority.
The revised roster includes several younger players who have been under the coach’s observation for an extended period, signaling a focus on long-term development. Artur Szalpuk was specifically mentioned as a player who has earned his place through consistent work with the national team setup and energetic contributions during training sessions.
As Poland looks ahead to the 2026 season, the team enters a transitional phase under Grbić’s leadership, balancing the integration of emerging talent with the expectations of maintaining competitiveness on the international stage.
