Alinsunurin will now be focusing more of his time with the Flying Titans and Bulldogs.
It's official. Dante Alinsunurin will no longer be the head coach of the Philippine men's volleyball team after being asked to step down.
Alinsunurin confirmed the news during the pre-tournament press conference of the PVL, citing that the main reason he was asked to vacate his post was his dual role as head coach of both the men’s national team and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
"Parang tinanong nila ako kung kakayanin ko daw o hindi. [Pero] 'yun nga dahil sa sabi nila baka maging busy ako, baka hindi ko ma-handle, kinausap ako ng team manager ko na 'yun nga, 'yun ang sitwasyon na napag-usapan nila na ibaba nila ako, hindi na ako yung maging head coach,” said Alinsunurin.
Alinsunurin had been the head coach of the men’s national team since 2019, steering them to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
As for who is set to replace the decorated tactician, Alinsunurin said he has yet to receive any news from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
"Surely may papalit sa akin, but hindi ko pa alam kung sino. Basta ako, kung ano man 'yung naging decision nila, ipaubaya ko na lang sila,” said Alinsunurin.
There have been reports that UST head coach Odjie Mamon will once again coach the national team up until the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in May.
Despite stepping down from the national team, Alinsunurin will still have his hands full as he handles both the Flying Titans in the PVL and the NU Bulldogs, who are competing in the ongoing Spikers’ Turf and will be part of the upcoming UAAP Season 85 volleyball tournament.