Coach Oliver Almadro shares what impressed him the most about the Petro Gazz Angels ahead of the Choco Mucho match.
Coach Oliver Almadro is looking forward to playing against his former team.
The mentor said so himself after the Petro Gazz Angels' three-set opening day loss to the Creamline Cool Smashers.
"Next game, Choco Mucho. Let's go!" Almadro said in the post-match press conference on Saturday. "They're a very talented team. We will work hard, we will prepare. Let's see kung saan aabot. I hope the Lord will give me strength and wisdom for the next game. They're [Choco Mucho Flying Titans] always impressive."
Almadro was spotted watching his former squad as they swept the young Akari Chargers in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League season opener.
During his time with the team, the Flying Titans made it twice to the bronze medal match, only to fall short in both occasions. In the last two conferences, Choco Mucho fell to seventh place. Now, the team in purple is led by Dante Alinsunurin Jr.
Asked whether the Angels would have an early advantage against the Flying Titans for their Thursday match-up, Almadro was quick to answer, "I don't know sa ngayon, but they're a strong team."
Petro Gazz, though, is currently one player short as MJ Phillips is undergoing therapy for a recurring issue with her shoulder.
"I told her, 'Relax, don't rush it. We'll need you when it matters,' said Coach O of Phillips. "So, she's eager to play, she wants to play, I just want her to be 100%."
Almadro added that he is in good terms with the Choco Mucho management. Coach O also shared that Maddie Madayag, who has recovered from a 2021 ACL injury, often visits him.
"I have a big heart for Maddie," Almadro admitted. "Ponggay, we talk. And that's about it."
Now, he sings praises for the Angels.
"My players are hardworking girls, down to earth, humble," said Almadro. "They're willing to learn and willing to fight. That's what Petro Gazz is. Sabi ko nga is 'seeing the sky with the Angels.'"
Coach O also shared how impressed he was with the 2022 Reinforced Conference champions during practice. "They're mature girls, mature persons. They really work hard a lot. Nagulat na lang ako meron pa pala silang extrang ganyan," he said.
"I'm happy. They accepted me well and I'm happy that I'm here," he added.
Almadro could not stress enough how he is feeling with his new team.
"They're helping me grow and we will help each other grow," he said. "Masaya. Sa dugout masaya, sa practice masaya."
Coach O is known for his outbursts and exasperated tone during timeouts. But even after the loss to Creamline, he was visibly relaxed and was even cajoled to show his blood pressure at 78 beats per minute.
"It's about time na di ako ma-high blood," he said. "Kailangan healthy ako. I thank the Lord for my health, the job, for giving me another chance to start again."