Waterpolo Expert Talk Archiv

In the second part of his in-depth conversation on the Waterpolo Expert Talk, legendary coach Dejan Udovičić explains one of the most decisive strategic choices he made as head coach of the United States men’s national team: sending his top players to Europe to accelerate their development. Udovičić openly describes the structural limitations of the American system. Despite the enormous participation numbers created by high school, college and youth programs, the United States cannot offer a professional domestic league comparable to Europe. Conflicts between the NCAA season and national team preparation, limited international exposure and calendar overlaps made it impossible to develop elite players exclusively at home. Faced with these realities, Udovičić made a bold decision: export the national team. Instead of waiting for structural changes in the US, he actively encouraged players to move abroad. What started with a handful of athletes quickly became a cornerstone of the program. Before COVID-19, seven or eight American players competed in Europe. During and after the pandemic, that number rose to nearly twenty. Udovičić explains why this step was non-negotiable. Playing in Europe exposes athletes to daily competition against world-class opponents, tactical complexity, physical intensity and pressure situations that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. Step by step, American players integrated into top leagues in Italy, Greece, Spain, France and Croatia, learning how to survive and succeed at the highest level. He highlights examples such as Ben Hallock, Champions League winner and national team captain, Alex Bowen, World Championship top scorer, and a new generation of younger players who are now establishing themselves across Europe. Over time, the culture shifted: players no longer needed convincing. Those already abroad became the strongest advocates, motivating the next generation to follow. Udovičić also addresses the challenges this approach creates for a national coach. With players spread across multiple countries, training camps become harder to organize and direct daily supervision is impossible. Still, from his perspective, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Europe provides something the US system cannot: continuous elite pressure. Beyond player development, the conversation expands to broader themes: long-term planning for Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028, the importance of early calendar clarity from World Aquatics and LEN, financial realities of international travel, and why federations must fully support coaches during system rebuilds. Udovičić draws parallels to the situation in Germany under Petar Porobić, emphasizing that successful rebuilds require patience, trust and a shared language between federation, coaches and players. Resetting a system is painful, but unavoidable if long-term success is the goal. The episode closes with Udovičić’s trademark realism and optimism: critical situations always start long before they become visible, but with courage, structure and belief in the process, medals will eventually follow. More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, legendary coach Dejan Udovičić offers deep and honest insights into his journey from elite player to one of the most influential coaches in modern water polo. Having grown up and developed within the legendary Partizan Belgrade system, coached Serbia, Montenegro and later the United States, Udovičić reflects on culture, coaching philosophy, long-term planning and what truly defines success at the highest level. Dejan begins by recalling his childhood in Belgrade, where water polo was not just a sport but a defining part of everyday life. Introduced to the pool at a very young age through his father and the Partizan environment, he experienced elite standards from the very first training sessions. Multiple sports shaped his early years, but water polo ultimately became the discipline that demanded the most structure, focus and commitment. A pivotal moment in the conversation centers on the transition from player to coach. Udovičić openly admits that coaching was never part of his original plan. That changed when his lifelong mentor Nikola Stamenić gave him advice that would shape his entire coaching career: to forget everything he thought he knew about water polo. For Udovičić, this was a mental reset. Being a great player does not automatically make someone a great coach. Coaching requires a completely different perspective – understanding people, planning processes, reading development over years instead of moments, and seeing the game not from inside the water but from the outside. This “factory reset,” as he describes it, forced him to relearn water polo from zero, stripping away ego and assumptions. The episode then explores Udovičić’s experiences across different cultures. Coming from Serbia, where winning is expected and pressure is constant, he later encountered very different environments in the United States. Rather than seeing cultural differences as obstacles, Udovičić recognized immense potential. He explains why the U.S. system, with its high school and college structure, guarantees participation numbers unmatched in Europe – while at the same time lacking the single-minded Olympic focus seen in traditional water polo nations. Udovičić explains how his coaching philosophy evolved: long-term planning, talent identification at young ages, and the courage to make unpopular decisions. When he took over responsibility, he reduced squad sizes, cut experienced players in favor of high-potential athletes, and built a pipeline starting with players born in 1997 and younger. At the time, these decisions were criticized. Years later, they form the backbone of one of the youngest and most promising national teams in the world. A key theme throughout the conversation is thinking ahead. Udovičić emphasizes that elite coaching is not about reacting to today’s results, but about anticipating how the game will look in two, four or eight years. In an era where data, video and scouting are globally accessible, the real advantage lies in staying one step ahead – tactically, physically and mentally. He also addresses the challenge of convincing players, federations and entire communities to trust a long-term vision. Change, he explains, is always uncomfortable. But without courage, clarity and patience, no system can succeed sustainably. The episode concludes with a clear statement of ambition: building teams capable of competing for medals at Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. For Udovičić, medals are not the starting point, but the result of years of structured work, cultural alignment and belief in the process. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, coaching mindset and system building, offering valuable lessons far beyond water polo. More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In the second part of his conversation on the Waterpolo Expert Talk, international player Lucas Gielen goes deep into one of the most defining chapters of his career: his move to Serbia and his time at Partizan Belgrade. What began as a sporting challenge quickly turned into a complete transformation – not only as a player, but also as a person. Lucas describes his arrival in Belgrade as a true culture shock. Coming from the Netherlands, where sport is structured, safe and balanced with everyday life, Serbia represented the opposite extreme. In Belgrade, water polo was not just a sport – it was a way of survival, a daily fight for places, respect and minutes in the water. For Lucas, this was exactly why he chose Serbia: he wanted to test himself in the hardest possible environment. Initially arriving to play for Banjiča, Lucas quickly caught the attention of Vlado Vujasinović, who offered him a very clear role at Partizan: play defender, stay strong, take exclusions and help the team. Playing time was not guaranteed. For the first months, Lucas barely played at all. Training, however, was relentless. Long hours in the pool, extra leg work after practice, gym sessions, tactical drills and constant evaluation became the new normal. A crucial moment came when teammates made something very clear to him: as a foreign player, he had two options – either be the “easy target” everyone wanted to score against, or become the defender everyone feared playing against. Lucas chose the second path. That decision changed how he trained, how he prepared for games and how he approached every duel in the water. The Serbian mentality demanded total commitment. Distractions, nightlife and excuses had no place. Training, recovery, nutrition and mental focus were non-negotiable. Lucas explains how this environment steadily broke down mental barriers. Again and again, he was pushed beyond limits he thought he could not cross – only to discover that he could. By February of his first season, the work began to pay off. Lucas made his Champions League debut for Partizan and later played minutes at the Final Six, including the famous victory over Pro Recco. What seemed impossible six months earlier became reality through discipline, humility and persistence. Beyond tactics and physical development, Serbia reshaped Lucas’s mindset. Winning was not an option – it was an expectation. Preparation became a daily obsession. Teammates and coaches demanded excellence in every detail. As Lucas puts it, after one year in Belgrade, even his family noticed that he had become a different person. The conversation also touches on what defines a top coach. For Lucas, elite coaching is the balance between tactical knowledge and human understanding. A great coach knows the game deeply but also understands people, moods and timing. He highlights coaches like Vlado Vujasinović and Petar Kovacević as rare examples who combined both qualities at the highest level. In the final part of the episode, Lucas reflects on life beyond the pool. Water polo, he says, is not only about titles or medals. It is about relationships, networks, cultures and shared experiences. His current involvement in the United States, connections in Europe and career opportunities after water polo all stem from the relationships built through the sport. This episode is a powerful insight into elite mentality, personal transformation and why true development only happens when comfort disappears. More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, international water polo player Lucas Gielen shares deep insights into player development, elite training environments and the structural differences between German and Dutch water polo. Having played at top clubs such as Partizan Belgrade and Spandau 04, and representing both the Netherlands and later Germany, Gielen brings a rare multi-national perspective to the discussion. Lucas begins by telling his personal story. Born and raised in the Netherlands, water polo was a true family sport for him. Parents, siblings and relatives all played at a high level, creating an environment where competition, learning and ambition were part of everyday life. His ultimate childhood dream was clear: reaching the Olympic Games. A turning point in his career came relatively late. Invited to the youth national team at the age of 16, Lucas suddenly found himself surrounded by players who were faster, stronger and more advanced. Instead of being discouraged, this environment shaped his mindset. This is where his guiding principle was born: “When you’re the smartest in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” From that moment on, his goal became simple: always train and compete with people who were better than him. His move to Partizan Belgrade was a defining experience. Training under legendary coach Vlado Vujasinović and alongside world-class players exposed him to an entirely new level of professionalism, intensity and tactical understanding. Later, his five years at Spandau 04 further shaped his career. In Berlin, Lucas experienced a club culture where winning the Bundesliga was the baseline expectation and the real focus lay on Champions League performance. A central part of the conversation compares the Dutch league with the German Bundesliga. Lucas explains that in the Netherlands the league is extremely balanced: almost every team can beat each other, making every weekend decisive. In Germany, however, the focus for top teams like Spandau and Waspo Hannover was long centered on Champions League success, with domestic matches often serving as preparation rather than true competition. Lucas highlights the importance of elite environments for young players. At Spandau, a clear development philosophy existed: alongside international stars and national team players, young talents trained daily at the highest level. This pipeline helped prepare players for international competition and ultimately benefited the German national team. He contrasts this with the Dutch model, where national team players train centrally in Zeist, but lack the daily exposure to multiple Olympic-level foreign players in club training. The discussion then shifts to the current situation of the German national team. Lucas follows the team closely and emphasizes that the ongoing restructuring requires patience. With many experienced players retired, Germany is building a young squad that will naturally experience ups and downs. Short-term results, he argues, should not overshadow long-term development. He praises the mentality of German teams and players, describing them as resilient, disciplined and never giving up – qualities he experienced firsthand when representing Germany himself. According to Lucas, if these values are combined with patience, high-level environments and long-term planning, German water polo has strong potential to grow again. This episode is a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about development, ambition and why true progress in water polo – and in life – only happens when you deliberately step into rooms where you are no longer the best. More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

Im zweiten Teil des Gesprächs mit Moritz Schenkel, Nationalspieler von Waspo Hannover, geht es noch tiefer in die strukturellen Probleme des deutschen Wasserballs. Offen, kritisch und zugleich konstruktiv spricht Schenkel über eine der größten Schwachstellen des Systems: den Verlust von Talenten, die den Sport verlassen, weil sie über Jahre hinweg keine echte Perspektive erhalten. Moritz beschreibt eindrücklich die Lücke zwischen Jugend- und Männerbereich, insbesondere im Alter zwischen 18 und 23 Jahren. In genau dieser Phase entscheiden sich Karrieren – oder enden. Viele Spieler trainieren hart, investieren Zeit und Energie, bekommen aber weder konstante Spielzeit noch gezielte Förderung. Statt Verantwortung zu übernehmen, verlieren sie den Anschluss oder hören komplett auf. Für Schenkel ist klar: Das Problem liegt nicht im fehlenden Willen der Spieler, sondern in den fehlenden Übergangsstrukturen. Ein zentraler Punkt des Gesprächs ist die Rolle ehemaliger Nationalspieler und erfahrener Akteure. Moritz plädiert dafür, diese Personen viel stärker in Verbände, Vereine und Nachwuchsarbeit einzubinden. Sie bringen nicht nur Fachwissen, sondern vor allem Glaubwürdigkeit, Vorbilder und Identifikation. Genau diese Schnittstellen seien in Deutschland oft unbesetzt – mit fatalen Folgen für die Entwicklung junger Athleten. Kritisch äußert sich Schenkel auch zur Außendarstellung des Sports. Fehlende Medienarbeit, unübersichtliche Websites, kaum Berichterstattung über Bundesliga und Nationalmannschaft – all das erschwere es, Begeisterung zu erzeugen. Selbst nationale Spiele würden kaum beworben, wodurch wertvolle Chancen zur Sichtbarkeit ungenutzt bleiben. Für einen Nischensport wie Wasserball sei externe Wahrnehmung jedoch überlebenswichtig. Im Gespräch über die deutsche Nationalmannschaft zeigt sich Moritz dennoch optimistisch. Der aktuelle Weg mit einem sehr jungen Team sei richtig, auch wenn kurzfristige Erfolge nicht garantiert seien. Die anstehenden Weltmeisterschaften betrachtet er als enorme Chance für die Spieler – nicht wegen der Ergebnisse, sondern wegen der Erfahrungen: Spiele vor zehntausenden Zuschauern, Duelle mit Weltklasse-Nationen und der emotionale Druck eines Großevents seien durch nichts zu ersetzen. Besonders positiv hebt er die Arbeit von Bundestrainer Petar Porobić hervor. Im Vergleich zu früheren Ansätzen erkenne man erstmals wieder einen klaren roten Faden im Training – von der ersten Einheit bis zum Abschlussspiel. Für junge Spieler sei das extrem wertvoll, weil sie lernen, Wasserball nicht schematisch, sondern ganzheitlich und situationsbezogen zu verstehen. Gleichzeitig bleibt Schenkel realistisch: Deutschland startet aktuell bei null. Die Generation der vergangenen Jahre ist weg, Strukturen müssen neu aufgebaut werden. Entscheidend sei nun, ob Verband, Vereine und Spieler bereit sind, gemeinsam Verantwortung zu übernehmen – oder ob man weiter über Probleme spricht, ohne sie aktiv anzugehen. Diese Episode ist ein ehrlicher, tiefgehender und sehr relevanter Einblick in die Realität des deutschen Wasserballs – aus Sicht eines aktiven Nationalspielers, der nicht nur kritisiert, sondern Lösungen einfordert. Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de Für alle, die verstehen wollen, warum Talente verloren gehen – und was sich ändern muss.

In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talk spricht Moritz Schenkel, Nationalspieler und langjähriger Leistungsträger von Waspo Hannover, ausführlich über die Entwicklung des Vereins, die Rolle von Waspo in der Bundesliga und die strukturellen Herausforderungen des deutschen Wasserballs auf Vereins- und Verbandsebene. Das Gespräch beginnt in einer besonderen Phase: Moritz befindet sich mitten in der Vorbereitung auf internationale Wettbewerbe mit der Nationalmannschaft. Trotzdem blickt er reflektiert auf seine Karriere zurück – von den Anfängen in Krefeld und Duisburg, über erfolgreiche Jahre beim ASC Duisburg, bis hin zum Wechsel nach Hannover, der sich im Nachhinein als wegweisend erwies. Moritz beschreibt sehr eindrücklich, wie Waspo Hannover in wenigen Jahren zu einer echten Marke im deutschen Wasserball geworden ist. Nicht durch große Namen allein, sondern durch Teamgeist, klare Visionen und ein starkes Umfeld. Entscheidend war aus seiner Sicht, dass es gelungen ist, Wasserball in Hannover sichtbar zu machen – auch außerhalb der eigenen Szene. Kooperationen mit anderen Sportvereinen, Social-Media-Kampagnen, volle Tribünen bei Champions-League-Spielen und mediale Präsenz haben dazu beigetragen, neue Zielgruppen zu erreichen. Ein zentraler Teil des Gesprächs widmet sich der Bundesliga-Struktur. Moritz kritisiert offen, dass die Liga sportlich oft wenig Spannung bietet und internationale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit nur schwer abzubilden ist. Einzelne Highlight-Spiele – etwa im Europapokal – seien notwendig, um Fans zu begeistern. Reine Bundesligaspiele ohne sportliche Bedeutung reichten dafür nicht aus. Besonders deutlich wird Moritz, wenn es um die Schnittstelle zwischen Bundesliga und Nationalmannschaft geht. Er schildert konkrete Situationen, in denen Nationalspieler nach intensiven Trainingswochen zusätzliche Bundesliga-Spiele absolvieren mussten – ohne klare Priorisierung durch den Verband. Für ihn ist klar: Ohne definierte Ziele, abgestimmte Kalender und echte Unterstützung für Athleten leidet langfristig die Qualität des Sports. Moritz knüpft dabei direkt an Aussagen von Bundestrainer Petar Porobić an und unterstreicht dessen Kernforderung: Der deutsche Wasserball braucht klare Ziele, klare Zuständigkeiten und eine gemeinsame Strategie. Besonders problematisch sei, dass junge Spieler häufig an finanziellen, organisatorischen oder strukturellen Hürden scheitern – nicht an fehlendem Talent. Sehr kritisch äußert er sich zur Nachwuchsentwicklung zwischen 16 und 20 Jahren, wo in Deutschland besonders viele Talente verloren gehen. Fehlende Perspektiven, lange Pausen, geringe Spielzeiten und mangelnde Unterstützung führten dazu, dass leistungsbereite Jugendliche den Sport verlassen. Für Moritz ist klar: Der soziale Hintergrund eines Kindes darf niemals darüber entscheiden, ob es Nationalspieler werden kann. Trotz aller Kritik bleibt der Ton konstruktiv. Moritz betont immer wieder, wie stolz er auf das ist, was mit Waspo Hannover entstanden ist – und dass genau solche Projekte zeigen, welches Potenzial im deutschen Wasserball steckt, wenn Vision, Mut und Zusammenarbeit vorhanden sind. Diese Episode ist ein offenes, ehrliches und strukturell wichtiges Gespräch über Vereinsarbeit, Markenbildung, Leistungssportrealität und die dringende Notwendigkeit, den deutschen Wasserball gemeinsam weiterzuentwickeln. Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de Ein Muss für alle, die Bundesliga-Wasserball und Nationalteam besser verstehen wollen.

In the second part of his appearance on the Waterpolo Expert Talk, international referee Boris Margeta dives deeper into the recent rule changes in water polo, their impact on the game, and why they should be seen as a starting point rather than a finished solution. Boris begins by sharing some of his most emotional memories as a referee, including his first Olympic Games in Sydney 2000, which coincided with his birthday. The experience, the atmosphere and the support from fellow referees shaped his decision to fully commit to refereeing at the highest level. Another unforgettable moment was the dramatic final in Rome between Serbia and Spain, a marathon match decided after extra time and penalties in front of a packed crowd – a perfect example of water polo as a spectacular, global sport. The conversation then shifts to pre-game preparation and rituals. Despite decades of experience, Boris explains that fear, adrenaline and nervousness never disappear – and shouldn’t. To stay focused, he isolates himself on match day, limits communication, listens to calming music, prays, speaks with his wife and prepares mentally to enter the pool fully concentrated. For him, every final is treated like the first final. A major topic of the episode is refereeing culture across countries. Boris strongly rejects the idea that different nations interpret the rules differently. There is only one rulebook, one referee association and one philosophy. Cultural differences may affect communication styles, but not the application of the rules. Referees must never be perceived as enemies. Clear communication, warnings, understanding advantage and feeling the rhythm of the game are far more important than rigid punishment. One of the most quoted statements of the episode captures his philosophy perfectly: “First learn the rulebook. Then throw it in the garbage and referee with the flow of the game.” Knowing the rules deeply allows referees to apply advantage correctly, protect attacking play and reward movement instead of static wrestling. When discussing the new water polo rules, Boris is clear: the direction is right. The sport had become too static, too physical and difficult to understand for spectators. The new rules protect movement, reduce holding and increase speed. Statistics prove that the game is now faster and more dynamic. However, he believes this process is not finished. He argues for even stricter punishment of two-handed holding and clearer interpretation of penalties, emphasizing that water itself already creates resistance and danger. Boris also places water polo in a broader context, noting that all major sports are changing rules – football, handball and basketball included – to become faster, clearer and more attractive for fans and broadcasters. A particularly critical part of the conversation focuses on the status of referees. Unlike football or handball, water polo referees remain largely amateur. Boris openly criticizes the reality that referees may officiate a Champions League final for minimal compensation or spend weeks at major tournaments without financial support from their federations. Without structural change, professional officiating at the highest level is impossible. Reflecting on recent events like the Champions League Final Eight in Belgrade, Boris explains that the pressure of a final is no different from any other important match. Whether it is a local league final or a European final, referees must approach every game with the same professionalism, respect and emotional control. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the World Championships, Boris’s excitement to reunite with colleagues after the pandemic, and his belief that young German players will benefit enormously from competing against the world’s best teams – regardless of short-term results. This episode offers a rare, honest and authoritative perspective on refereeing, rule evolution and the future of water polo from one of the sport’s

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, international referee Boris Margeta offers a rare and detailed insight into the world of elite water polo officiating. With decades of experience as a former player, coach and referee at the highest international level, Margeta explains why refereeing water polo is every bit as demanding as playing or coaching the sport. Boris begins by introducing himself and his background in Slovenia, a country better known for skiing than water polo. He explains how he started as a swimmer, fell in love with the yellow ball, became a water polo player, later a youth coach, and eventually transitioned into refereeing. This unique career path allows him to see the game from every perspective – player, coach, parent and referee. One of the central themes of the episode is clear: referees must train just like athletes. According to Margeta, it is impossible to officiate top-level competitions without constant practice. Unlike other sports, water polo referees cannot stop the game to reconsider decisions. Choices must be made instantly, often based on situations happening underwater and out of the referee’s direct line of sight. The only way to handle this pressure is through repetition, drills and constant exposure to real game situations. Margeta explains why refereeing youth games is essential for top referees. He regularly officiates U13 and U15 matches, sometimes even on one goal only, because these games provide unpredictable situations that sharpen decision-making. At the same time, he emphasizes that young players deserve the best refereeing possible, as their understanding of the sport is shaped by what referees allow or punish at an early age. A major part of the conversation focuses on decision-making under pressure. Boris explains that referees should not see themselves as punishers, but as facilitators who reward correct play and good intentions. Understanding the intention of a player – whether an action aims to score, defend fairly or simulate – is crucial in making the right call. The episode also covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referees worldwide. With pools closed and games canceled, referees had almost no physical practice for over a year. Margeta highlights how the global referee community responded by creating online education platforms, video analysis sessions and quizzes, ensuring that learning never stopped despite the lack of matches. Another key topic is the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in water polo. Margeta strongly supports VAR, explaining that it improves fairness and accuracy, especially in goal/no-goal situations, technical errors and last-second decisions. However, he also warns that VAR must be used carefully and only for decisive moments, so it does not disrupt the flow of the game. Margeta shares his thoughts on transparency in officiating and suggests that, in the future, audiences should hear explanations of final referee decisions – similar to American football – to improve understanding and trust. He also discusses referee teamwork, stressing that chemistry between referees is essential. According to him, referees must not only be colleagues, but friends who trust each other completely, because every decision on the field is shared. The episode concludes with reflections on role models in refereeing, lifelong learning, and why water polo officiating is built on respect, preparation and continuous development. More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de A must-listen episode for players, coaches and anyone interested in the unseen side of elite water polo.

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.

In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talks spricht Dennis Eidner, ehemaliger National- und Bundesligaspieler, ehrlich und reflektiert über seine Jahre im Nationalteam, prägende internationale Turniere und die strukturellen Herausforderungen des deutschen Wasserballs. Besonders intensiv blickt er auf die WM 2019 in Gwangju, die er als persönliches sportliches Highlight beschreibt. Dennis erzählt zunächst von der Frage, ob ein Wechsel ins Ausland während seiner Karriere jemals eine Option war. Für ihn war klar: Auslandsstationen hätten sportlich reizvoll sein können, doch berufliche Ausbildung, Zukunftssicherheit und ein langfristiger Lebensplan standen im Vordergrund. Gleichzeitig spricht er über die Bedeutung von Strukturen, die jungen Spielern früh Wege eröffnen müssen – etwas, das in Deutschland noch immer schwierig ist. Ein zentrales Thema ist die Rolle des ASC Duisburg, für den Dennis heute spielt und in dessen Umfeld er sich heimisch fühlt. Während Spandau in seinen früheren Jahren sein sportliches Zuhause war, ist Duisburg heute sein Lebensmittelpunkt. Der Wechsel weg von Berlin, hin zu einem Umfeld, das privat wie sportlich stabiler war, war entscheidend für seine persönliche Entwicklung. Besonders bewegend ist der Abschnitt über seine größten internationalen Momente. Drei Turniere stehen dabei im Mittelpunkt: seine erste WM 2011 in Shanghai, die Heim-WM 2018 in Berlin – und vor allem die WM 2019 in Gwangju, die er als sein bestes Turnier bezeichnet. Dort erlebte das deutsche Team eine Phase, in der Leistung, Zusammenspiel und Teamgeist auf beeindruckende Weise zusammenpassten. Dennis spricht offen über die Olympiaqualifikation 2021, die während der Coronapandemie stattfand und viele Unwägbarkeiten mit sich brachte: verschobene Termine, unterbrochene Trainingsrhythmen und das Gefühl, trotz guter Vorbereitung an äußeren Umständen zu scheitern. Gleichzeitig betont er, dass Deutschland weiter junge Talente hat – aber die Erfahrung auf Schlüsselpositionen fehlt, um den nächsten Schritt zu gehen. Ausführlich diskutiert er die aktuellen Herausforderungen des deutschen Nationalteams: fehlende Kontinuität, zu wenig internationale Spielpraxis, unterschiedliche Trainingsniveaus in den Vereinen und das Fehlen eines einheitlichen Ausbildungskonzepts. Mit dem neuen Bundestrainer Petar Porobić sieht er klare Fortschritte, aber auch viel Arbeit, um den „roten Faden“ vom Nachwuchs bis zur A-Nationalmannschaft umzusetzen. Das Gespräch beleuchtet außerdem die Bedeutung von Trainerfortbildung, Wasserballcamps, Konzeptarbeit und Vereinstransparenz, um die Ausbildung in Deutschland zu verbessern. Dennis fordert, dass nicht nur Spieler, sondern auch Trainer stärker geschult werden – und dass Konzepte des Bundestrainers in allen Regionen implementiert werden müssen. Zum Abschluss wird es noch einmal emotional, wenn Dennis über Freundschaften spricht, die über Jahre entstanden sind – über Teamkameraden, Hochzeiten, gemeinsame Erinnerungen und die Tatsache, dass Wasserball Menschen verbindet wie kaum ein anderer Sport. Gleichzeitig richtet er den Blick nach vorn: auf das Final Four, die Zukunft der Bundesliga, die Rolle der Medien und die dringend notwendige Professionalisierung der Übertragungen. Diese Episode ist ein ehrlicher, tiefgründiger und zugleich motivierender Blick auf das Leben eines Nationalspielers – geprägt von Leidenschaft, Rückschlägen, Highlights und dem Wunsch, Wasserball in Deutschland voranzubringen. Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de Ein Muss für alle, die die Entwicklung des deutschen Wasserballs verstehen wollen.

Im Vorfeld zum Champions League Spiel zwischen Waspo 98 Hannover und Jug Dubrovnik durfte ich Live im Sportradio Deutschland einen kleinen Einblick in die Welt des Wasserballs geben. Hat echt Spaß gemacht und vielleicht gibt es mal die Chance zur Wiederholung!

In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talk spricht Dennis Eidner, ehemaliger Bundesligaspieler, Nationalspieler und heutiger Feuerwehrmann in Duisburg, offen über seine sportliche Laufbahn, die prägenden Jahre in Berlin bei Spandau 04, den Wechsel zum ASC Duisburg und seinen beruflichen Neuanfang außerhalb des Leistungssports. Dennis erzählt, wie er als sehr aktives Kind über verschiedenste Sportarten zum Wasserball kam. Fußball, Judo und Leichtathletik prägten seine ersten Jahre, bevor ein Sommerfest bei Spandau 04 – mit Schnuppertraining in Tauchen, Schwimmen und Wasserball – den entscheidenden Ausschlag gab. Mit sieben Jahren wechselte er endgültig ins Wasser und blieb dem Sport über zwei Jahrzehnte treu. Früh entwickelte er Begeisterung für Teamgeist, körperlichen Einsatz und die enge Gemeinschaft im Wasserball – Eigenschaften, die ihn später auch im Feuerwehrdienst prägen sollten. In Spandau lernte er von einigen der besten deutschen Spielern seiner Zeit: Florian Orozco, Fabian Schröter, Sören Mackeben und anderen, die ihm halfen, Selbstvertrauen und Härte zu entwickeln. Obwohl er körperlich kleiner war als viele seiner Gegner, fand er im Center seine Position – aus Überzeugung, Mut und Spaß an der körperlichen Auseinandersetzung. Dennis berichtet, wie wichtig starke Trainingspartner waren, die ihn täglich forderten und förderten. Gleichzeitig spricht er über die strukturellen Herausforderungen des deutschen Wasserballs: zu viele Ausländer in den Topteams, zu wenige echte Wettkampfmöglichkeiten für junge deutsche Spieler und die Schwierigkeit, Spielzeit zu bekommen, wenn man hinter internationalen Profis steht. Er erläutert, warum Training auf Topniveau unverzichtbar ist – aber ebenso, warum echte Entwicklung erst im Wettkampf stattfindet. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt ist seine Zeit beim ASC Duisburg und die Frage, wie deutsche Vereine den Spagat zwischen internationalem Anspruch und Nachwuchsförderung schaffen können. Dennis hält klare Strukturen für notwendig – und sieht Spandau und Waspo weiterhin als Fixpunkte im deutschen Wasserball, während viele andere Teams um Anschluss kämpfen. Heute arbeitet er hauptberuflich als Feuerwehrmann und sieht darin viele Parallelen zum Leistungssport: Teamarbeit, klare Kommunikation, körperliche Fitness, Vertrauen und die Fähigkeit, unter Stress handlungsfähig zu bleiben. Seine Karriere zeigt eindrucksvoll, wie Kompetenzen aus dem Wasserball ein Leben lang tragen können. Dieser Talk ist ein ehrliches, authentisches und mitreißendes Porträt eines Sportlers, der seinen Weg gefunden hat – im Wasser und weit darüber hinaus. Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de Beruf & Sport: Ein inspirierender Einblick in den Weg vom Leistungssport zum Einsatzdienst.

Im zweiten Teil des Gesprächs mit Ben Reibel, Bundesligaspieler und ehemaliger Nationalspieler, wird es besonders persönlich. Offen, reflektiert und ohne Beschönigung spricht Reibel über seine Zeit bei Spandau 04, die sportlichen Höhepunkte, seine gesundheitlichen Probleme, mentale Belastungen und den schwierigen, aber notwendigen Schritt, seine Karriere neu auszurichten. Ben erzählt, wie er kurz nach seinem Wechsel von Uerdingen nach Berlin an einer rheumatischen Erkrankung litt, die zunächst niemand richtig einordnen konnte. Monate voller Schmerzen, Fehldiagnosen und Unsicherheit folgten, bis schließlich ein Rheumatologe die Ursache fand. Die notwendige medikamentöse Behandlung erwies sich mitten in der Corona-Pandemie als Herausforderung – besonders, weil die Medikamente das Immunsystem schwächen. Reibel beschreibt sehr eindrücklich, wie langwierig und belastend diese Phase war, und wie glücklich er ist, heute wieder beschwerdefrei spielen zu können. Neben der körperlichen Komponente spricht Ben auch über seine mentale Gesundheit. Er erzählt, wie ihn die Zeit in Berlin – hoher Leistungsdruck, neues Umfeld, große Verantwortung und Entfernung von seinem Zuhause – zunehmend belastete. Nach der Olympia-Qualifikation 2021 wurde ihm klar, dass er Veränderungen brauchte. Corona gab ihm die ungeplante Zeit, über sein Leben, seine Prioritäten und seine Zukunft nachzudenken. Die Erkenntnis war klar: Spandau war sportlich wertvoll, aber persönlich der falsche Ort für ihn. Besonders berührend ist seine Offenheit über den Zusammenhang zwischen mentalen Belastungen und körperlichen Erkrankungen. Es sei gut möglich, dass Stress und Überforderung seine rheumatische Erkrankung mitausgelöst oder verstärkt haben. Erst durch den Schritt zurück nach Nordrhein-Westfalen und in sein gewohntes Umfeld fühlte er sich wieder stabil – mental wie körperlich. Gleichzeitig blickt Ben dankbar auf das zurück, was ihm Spandau gegeben hat: internationale Erfahrungen, Champions League-Spiele, den Gewinn der Deutschen Meisterschaft und ein Umfeld, das ihn sportlich enorm weiterentwickelt hat. Besonders prägend waren Persönlichkeiten wie Tibi Negri, der für Ben bis heute Mentor und Freund ist. In der Analyse der Bundesliga-Strukturen betont Ben, dass das derzeitige System mit A- und B-Gruppe weder attraktiv noch sinnvoll ist. Es brauche eine kleinere, klare 1. Liga und stabile Rahmenbedingungen – ähnlich wie in anderen europäischen Ligen. Nur so könne deutscher Wasserball über die nächsten Jahre wettbewerbsfähig bleiben. Einfache, transparente Systeme würden auch Spieler, Eltern, Vereine und Fans besser abholen. Am Ende der Episode wird deutlich, wie viel Mut es braucht, gesundheitliche Probleme einzugestehen und konsequent Entscheidungen zu treffen, die der eigenen Stabilität dienen. Die Rückkehr in die Heimat, der Fokus auf Studium und ein behutsames Weiterführen der sportlichen Karriere waren für Ben Schritte in die richtige Richtung. Diese Episode zeigt Wasserball aus einer Perspektive, die oft zu kurz kommt: ehrlich, menschlich, verletzlich und gleichzeitig voller Stärke. Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de Für tiefe Einblicke in Bundesliga, Nationalteam & Spielerbiografien – Waterpolo Expert Talk abonnieren.