Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Despite receiving backlash online about his coaching stint with Ateneo in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, coach Oliver Almadro chooses to continue his mission with the Blue Eagles.
After Petro Gazz’s sweeping win against Army-Black Mamba in the Premier Volleyball League, Almadro was asked about the recent comments of netizens regarding his way of calling the shots in the Blue Eagles’ win over University of the East on Wednesday.
“As a matter of fact, I don’t want to talk about it anymore but what’s happening is just the snippets of something. People really don’t know what’s the real story, so we just have to keep quiet about that,” said Almadro.
“We don’t want to retaliate against those (comments), people will keep on chirping but we will keep doing our mission. I guess the players and I and the institution already know what’s happening. I’m happy with my players and of course, there are spurs of the moments but that’s only the snippets. What’s important is the real story.”
Coach Almadro on his coaching stint with Ateneo.
He urges fans to “know the story” first. He also states that he’s happy with his players over in Katipunan. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/MFU4CHU5Wx
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 4, 2023
After Ateneo’s win, an #OustCoachO topic trended on Twitter. The trend started when a clip of Almadro scolding his player surfaced.
He was audibly telling player Vanie Gandle to be “puro yabang (full of arrogance)” but Almadro emphasized it was only part of their exchange.
“You can ask all of my players. We’re just not talking about it (publicly). Ever since, all of it was snippets. What they do is, they take videos, put stories on it and sometimes I don’t want to be interviewed [about it] but the point is they keep putting stories into things but what’s important is the real story,” told the mentor.
The Blue Eagles hold a 1-1 record in the young UAAP season.
To further clear the air, Almadro said he and his wards have an understanding of the whole situation and stated that they, as a team, are “happy.”
“We understand and trust each other and that’s the most important. I thank the Lord that we have this understanding. We’re happy, we’re happy.”
Ateneo looks to improve under Almadro’s wing when it faces rival La Salle on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. The Lady Archers are currently undefeated after two games.