“Without Clear Strategy We Cannot Progress” – Petar Porobić on German Water Polo & International Standards

In this on-the-road edition of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Germany’s
head coach Petar Porobić gives one of his most honest and direct
interviews since taking over the national team. Recorded at the
German Championship match between Waspo Hannover and Spandau 04,
Porobić speaks openly about the structural weaknesses, missing
strategic alignment and the urgent need for national interest to
come before club interests. Porobić begins by reflecting on his
long coaching history in Montenegro, China and Serbia–Montenegro,
including Olympic qualification tournaments in Hannover more than
20 years ago. Coming to Germany, he expected a new challenge and
the chance to develop a young national team. What he found instead
were severe structural difficulties: too few young players,
especially in key positions such as center and defender; limited
access to players due to league scheduling; and rules that restrict
the number of athletes he is allowed to invite. One of Porobić’s
central messages is clear and uncompromising: A national team can
only succeed when the federation, the clubs and the coaching staff
work toward the same target. Currently, he sees the opposite. Clubs
follow their own interests, the federation lacks strategic clarity,
and the national team is left without the resources and support
needed to achieve long-term results. Porobić explains that in
countries like Montenegro, a unified structure exists: the
federation defines the national goals, the clubs adapt, and
development systems are built with one purpose – to produce players
for the senior national team. In Germany, however, he sees no such
alignment. Youth competitions, club calendars and the senior
national program run independently of each other, often even in
conflict. He gives concrete examples: – A crucial national team
training weekend was rendered ineffective because Bundesliga clubs
continued their competition schedule, leaving him with only 5–6
players instead of a full squad. – Ahead of potential World
Championship participation, league matches were again prioritized
over national preparation, despite the need to build a completely
new, inexperienced team. For Porobić, this situation is untenable.
Without coordinated planning and a clear vision from the
federation, Germany cannot create the pathway required to close the
gap to leading nations. The interview also highlights the lack of
available young talent between ages 18–22 – a period in which most
successful nations develop their core players. Many German talents
receive little playing time in top clubs like Spandau or Waspo,
while others in smaller clubs lack international experience
entirely. This dual problem makes it extremely difficult to form a
competitive senior squad. Despite these challenges, Porobić remains
committed and sees potential if Germany finally takes the necessary
steps: – A unified national strategy – Clear targets agreed upon by
federation, clubs and coaches – Earlier preparation periods –
Structural support for youth and key positions – Prioritization of
national interests in scheduling For him, Germany has the
facilities, the clubs and the organizational potential – but
without structural alignment, success on the international stage
will remain out of reach. This episode is a rare, transparent
insight into how elite international coaches think, what they
require to build a competitive national team, and why structural
reform is often more important than talent alone. More about the
podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de A must-listen for anyone who
wants to understand why German water polo is struggling – and what
must change.