Alessandro Lodi's fiery but consistent coaching style has sparked confidence and growth for Trisha Tubu and the Farm Fresh Foxies, now heading to the PVL on Tour quarterfinals.
Italian head coach Alessandro Lodi’s fiery demeanor on the sidelines has become quite the talking point in the PVL on Tour.
But for the Farm Fresh Foxies, it’s a sign of a coach who knows exactly what his team needs.
Case in point: the Foxies are headed to the quarterfinals after sweeping the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25–20, 25–15, 25–21, at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite on Saturday, August 2.
“People know that I'm going to say stuff and point out things that are not working well, even when things do go our way,” Lodi said during the post-game press conference. “Ultimately, you have to be consistent. And people have to know you and how you're operating and what you're trying to achieve and in what way.”
While outsiders may see an overly animated coach, Lodi stressed that his players understand his methods because they see his passion every day.
“Of course, everyone on the outside thinks the guy is just crazy. But my players, they are absolutely, you see that they are untouched by that because they know exactly. They see me every day. In practice, I'm worse than that. In practice, I'm worse than that. I am not a game-day freak. No, no, I am an everyday freak,” he said with a laugh.
Sitting beside him at the post-game press conference, Trisha Tubu and Rizza Cruz couldn't help but nod repeatedly in agreement.
Lodi explained that his emotions on the bench are intentional.
“I try to give them what they need, not what they like, but what they need. And as long as you're consistent, that people know what to expect, and you are always pushing in the same direction and always pushing from a point of love, and passion, and dedication, attention to people, you care about them, you care about the game, you care about their progress, then they're totally fine.”
For players like Trisha Tubu, Lodi’s approach has been a confidence booster, especially after going through different coaches and different systems since joining the PVL in 2023.
Farm Fresh has had four different coaches during that time, namely Jerry Yee, Shota Sato, Benson Bocboc, and Lodi himself... not to mention a period with Japanese team consultant Shimizu Mikihiro.
“Talagang ngayon, ramdam namin 'yung trust niya sa 'min na 'di kami takot magkamali,” said Tubu. “Ngayon, ang sarap lang sa feeling na siya magre-recommend, pero 'yung tiwala niya sa 'yo, buong-buo.”
“Kaya nakaka-boost din ng morale sa amin na 'yun nga, si coach Lodi dumating dito hindi lang para i-lead 'yung team, pero turuan kami individually, as person din hindi lang as a player.”
Middle blocker Rizza Cruz echoed the sentiment, praising the Italian tactician’s trust and process-oriented mindset.
“Thankful kami for the trust of coach Lodi at lagi niyang sinasabi sa amin na maglaro lang kami, as long as ginagawa namin ‘yung tamang process at ‘yung mga dapat gawin, walang problema,” Cruz said.
“Kahit magkamali ka as long as nakikita niya na tama ‘yung ginagawa mo, that’s okay. Doon nanggagaling ‘yung confidence namin,” she added.
Now headed to the quarterfinals, Lodi and his Foxies squad will try to pull off their biggest win yet as they go up against the Creamline Cool Smashers.