SAPPORO, Japan, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Head coach of Brazil women's volleyball team Jose Roberto Guimaraes told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Monday that he believes China, the United States, and Serbia will be hot favorites at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
"China, the United States, Serbia," Guimaraes responded when asked about title contenders at Tokyo 2020. "I think Brazil [is in the] second group. We have a very good team, we need to improve."
Guimaraes is leading the two-time Olympic champions' campaign at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup with a 4-3 record so far. Without London 2010 champions Natalia Pereira and Tandara Caixeta, Ze Roberto's team was defeated by Team USA in straight sets and lost to China in a five-set thriller.
"It's difficult without these players when playing against China and the United States because they have a complete squad at the moment. We tried to learn from them. They at a high level, unbelievable. For us, it's very important to be here. Of course we win, lost and try to adjust to next season, which is very important," the 65-year-old said.
Guimaraes was also highly complimentary about defending champions China, who have remained unbeaten with a 7-0 record. He labeled Yuan Xinyue and Zhu Ting, both scored 26 points in the Brazil-China clash, as "amazing, incredible," while praised Zhang Changning and Yan Ni as well.
"If the Olympic Games start today, they are ready," said the coach, who led both Brazil's men's and women's team to Olympic glory.
Despite positioning his team in a second group at Tokyo 2020, Guimaraes saw potential in young players including 23-year-old Lorenne Teixeira and Drussyla Costa.
"They have good potential. Lorenne, Drussyla, and Mara played this year. They improved, this is very important," said Guimaraes, adding that Natalia's return from injury will strengthen the team that has already won Olympic qualification.
