In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talk stehen Kathrin und Katja von der Laufbahnberatung am Olympiastützpunkt Hannover im Mittelpunkt. Gemeinsam geben sie einen tiefen Einblick in die duale Karriereplanung von Spitzensportlerinnen und Spitzensportlern.

Sie erklären, wie Athlet:innen individuell, systematisch und langfristig begleitet werden – von der Schulzeit über Ausbildung oder Studium bis hin zur beruflichen Perspektive nach der aktiven Karriere. Ein zentrales Thema ist die enge Zusammenarbeit mit Partnerinstitutionen wie Bundeswehr, Polizei, Hochschulen und Unternehmen, die flexible Modelle für Leistungssport ermöglichen.

Besonders betont wird, dass Laufbahnberatung kein kurzfristiges Angebot ist, sondern ein mehrjähriger Prozess, der sich an der persönlichen Entwicklung der Athlet:innen orientiert. Eltern spielen dabei gerade zu Beginn häufig eine wichtige Rolle, während mit zunehmendem Alter die Eigenverantwortung der Sportler:innen wächst.

Diese Episode zeigt eindrucksvoll, wie moderne Spitzensportförderung funktioniert – menschlich, realistisch und nachhaltig.

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We have again alot to talk about in this second part with Elvis. The spanish league, games against Sabadell or the inclusion of young players into the team like Barceloneta. The Champions League is also a very important competition we have to talk about. What will be the impact on the champions league with the local leagues in each country when they go into the final phase together with the Final 8 middle of the year. Also the german club Spandau und Waspo are part of our discussion aboiut their progress ofter the last couple of years.

Dear podcast community, do you remember what you did three years ago? I know... on april 11th, 2020 during the corona lockdown I released the trailer of the podcast. A lot has happened since then, many exciting conversations with my guests and the podcast has become more and more international.

I am happy if you continue to be loyal listeners and if we can further develop the podcast together.

To celebrate the day, I put together a little video that I would like to share with you.

https://youtu.be/IoCOB5yJhFI

Free (virtual) hugs for everyone 🥰😍🤗

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Elvis Fatović, head coach of CN Barceloneta and former Australian national team coach, reflects on his coaching journey and the influence of legendary coach Ratko Rudić on his philosophy and leadership style.

Fatović speaks about the transition from national team coaching to daily club work in Barcelona, explaining why working in a club environment requires constant presence, communication and emotional intelligence. He highlights that coaching elite players is not about teaching basics, but about moderating personalities, creating trust and guiding a group toward a common goal.

A central part of the discussion focuses on what he learned from Ratko Rudić: the ability to read people, adapt leadership styles and demand excellence without losing the human connection. Fatović emphasizes that great coaches are lifelong learners and must remain open-minded, even when working with world-class athletes.

The episode offers deep insights into modern coaching at the highest level, leadership dynamics in elite teams and why being “coachable as a coach” is essential for long-term success.

🎧 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Yoshinori Shiota, head coach of the Japanese men’s national water polo team, explains why long-term success in international water polo is only possible when teams build their game around their own strengths, rather than copying traditional European models.

Yoshinori begins by making an important clarification: the current Japanese playing style was not created by him, but by former head coach Yoji Omoto. In the years leading up to the Olympic Games, Japan initially tried to follow a more traditional European-style water polo, including heavy use of the center forward and zone defense. Over time, it became clear that this approach did not fit the physical profile of Japanese players.

Compared to teams from Hungary, Serbia or Croatia, Japanese players are generally smaller and lighter. Instead of seeing this as a weakness, Omoto and his staff decided to completely rethink the concept of the game. The result was a radical shift in philosophy: press defense, passing-lane defense and constant counterattacks became the foundation of Japan’s identity.

Yoshinori explains that for Japan, scoring in a static six-on-six offense is extremely difficult. The team’s real advantage lies in speed, agility and flexibility. By swimming more, creating chaos in passing lanes and attacking before defenses are set, Japan can compete with physically stronger opponents. This philosophy requires tremendous fitness, discipline and collective understanding, but it allows Japan to stay competitive at the highest level.

Over time, the system has continued to evolve. While press defense remains the base, Yoshinori now emphasizes the importance of being more tactically flexible. Against different opponents – such as Hungary, the USA or European teams with strong center play – Japan must be able to adjust. Zone defense, hybrid systems and situational tactics are now part of the playbook.

A key message of the episode is adaptation. Yoshinori stresses that you cannot play someone else’s game if you do not have the same player material. Coaches must be honest about their squad’s characteristics and design a system that maximizes existing strengths instead of exposing weaknesses.

The conversation also touches on Yoshinori’s personal coaching journey. After more than ten years as a Japanese national team player, he pursued academic studies in coaching, worked at Nippon Sport Science University, and later spent time in the United States with the US national teams. Working alongside coaches like Dejan Udovičić influenced his approach, particularly in the area of leg training and physical preparation.

Yoshinori highlights that leg strength is not only crucial for goalkeepers, but for all field players in modern water polo. While swimming speed is important, verticality, stability and explosiveness are decisive factors in today’s game – an area where Japan continues to invest heavily.

Looking ahead, the episode addresses Japan’s busy international calendar. With World Championships in Fukuoka, Asian Games as Olympic qualification, and further global tournaments ahead, Yoshinori sees the packed schedule as a major advantage. Without a professional domestic league, Japanese players are “hungry for games” and benefit greatly from every international match.

This episode offers a clear, honest and insightful look at how modern water polo systems must be built around identity, realism and adaptation – and why Japan’s path may offer valuable lessons for many other nations.

🎧 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Yoshinori Shiota, head coach of the Japanese men’s national water polo team, offers rare and insightful perspectives on the unique challenges of developing elite water polo players in a country without a professional domestic league.

Yoshinori begins by introducing his background and international experience. Before becoming Japan’s head coach after the Tokyo Olympic Games, he spent several years in Germany, playing for Spandau and later Hannover between 2006 and 2011. Winning the Bundesliga title twice remains one of his strongest memories from that time, alongside lifelong friendships with former teammates such as Moritz Zurkowski and Tobias Preuss, who even attended his wedding in Japan.

The conversation quickly turns to Yoshinori’s current role and the demanding international calendar. Japan recently competed in the Water Polo World Cup Division 1 in Croatia, facing top teams such as Croatia, Italy, Hungary, the USA and France. Despite limited preparation time, the tournament proved extremely valuable for gaining high-level match experience.

A central challenge, Yoshinori explains, is that Japan does not have a professional water polo league. The domestic system is largely based on high school and university teams, similar to the structure in the United States. Once players graduate from university, there are very limited opportunities to continue playing at a high level inside Japan. As a result, ambitious players must move abroad – mainly to Europe or Australia – to continue their development.

Yoshinori strongly emphasizes how essential it is for Japanese national team players to compete overseas. At the moment, several players are active in Europe and Greece, while others play in Australia. Even if they are not part of top Champions League teams, the daily training environment, physicality and tactical exposure are crucial for bridging the gap to the world’s best nations.

These players, Yoshinori explains, also serve as role models for younger athletes in Japan. Seeing national team players succeed abroad creates motivation and belief that an international career is possible, even without a domestic professional league.

The episode also explores the limited popularity of water polo in Japan. With an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 active players nationwide, the sport remains small compared to baseball and football, which dominate the sporting landscape. Although swimming is part of the school curriculum, water polo is not formally introduced at younger ages.

Yoshinori believes that accessibility is one of the biggest barriers. Traditional water polo is too difficult for beginners, especially children who cannot yet use the eggbeater kick. He suggests modifying rules at entry level – such as allowing players to stand in shallow water – to make the sport more fun and inclusive. Lowering the entry barrier, he argues, is essential for long-term growth.

Another key topic is Olympic visibility. After failing to qualify for the Olympic Games for 32 years, Japan’s participation in Tokyo 2021 was a major milestone. Yoshinori firmly believes that continued Olympic qualification – and eventually winning a medal – is the most effective way to increase the sport’s popularity, attract young athletes and secure broader public attention in Japan.

Toward the end of the episode, Yoshinori addresses Japan’s distinct playing style, which many opponents describe as uncomfortable and difficult to face. He credits former head coach Yoji Omoto for establishing a fast, flexible and tactically unique system that allows Japan to compete against physically stronger teams through movement, speed and structure.

This episode provides a fascinating international perspective on how water polo can be developed outside traditional strongholds – and why creativity, openness and global experience are essential for success.

🎧 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Spanish national team goalkeeper Eduardo Lorrio speaks in depth about Spain’s current generation, the learning process in the Champions League, and why he is convinced that the team is ready to win more international medals in the coming years.

Eduardo begins by reflecting on his experiences in the Champions League with his club. Playing against elite teams such as Novi Beograd, he explains the reality for a young team entering Europe’s highest competition. While results may not always reflect performance, the most important aspect is competitiveness. Spain’s young core has shown that it can stay close against top opponents, learning how to manage pressure, physicality and tactical discipline at the highest level.

A key theme of the episode is mental development. Eduardo describes how many Champions League matches are decided in the final minutes. Early in the season, his team lost several close games, but instead of frustration, these moments became learning opportunities. The ability to stay calm, manage the last possession and accept a draw instead of forcing risky decisions is a crucial step toward becoming a winning team.

One of the most emotional parts of the conversation centers on the World Championship final and the dramatic penalty shootout against Italy. Eduardo shares the story behind his decision to speak up before the penalties. Trusting his intuition, he told head coach David Martín that he felt ready to save penalties. The decision paid off, as he stopped a crucial shot – one of the most memorable moments of his career.

Eduardo explains that penalties are not only about technique, but about feeling the moment. Confidence, timing and emotional control often matter more than preparation alone. For him, being trusted by the coach in that decisive situation was just as meaningful as the save itself.

The conversation then turns to the Spanish national team’s evolution under David Martín. Since his arrival in 2017, the team has undergone a clear mentality shift. After years without medals, Spain returned to the podium with silver medals and eventually reached the top by winning the World Championship. A balanced mix of experienced leaders and young talents has created a highly competitive environment.

Eduardo highlights the depth of the current squad, mentioning players like Álvaro Granados, Unai Aguirre, Álvaro Ortiz and Felipe Perrone, whose experience and professionalism continue to shape the team culture. According to Lorrio, the mentality of the group is stronger than ever – focused, ambitious and united.

Looking ahead, the episode also addresses the Olympic pathway. Eduardo openly states that Spain’s goal is not only to qualify for the Olympic Games, but to win an Olympic medal. After finishing fourth in Tokyo, losing both the semifinal and bronze medal match, the motivation is clear. Spain has everything it needs – infrastructure, coaching staff, league quality and player depth – to succeed on the biggest stage.

The episode concludes with reflections on the goalkeeper relationship within the national team. Eduardo emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and support between goalkeepers. They are not rivals, but teammates working toward the same goal. Sharing rooms, tournaments and emotional moments over many years has created deep bonds that strengthen the team as a whole.

This episode offers an honest, emotional and highly insightful look into elite goalkeeping, championship pressure and why Spanish water polo believes its best years may still lie ahead.

🎧 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Spanish international goalkeeper Eduardo Lorrio shares deep insights into how the role of the goalkeeper has evolved in modern water polo. From being a pure shot stopper to becoming an active tactical element, Lorrio explains why today’s goalkeepers must influence far more than just the final save.

Eduardo begins by introducing his personal background. Originally from Madrid, he moved to Barcelona seven years ago after already competing in three Olympic Games. Playing for CN Sabadell, he describes Barcelona as the current center of Spanish water polo, offering higher competition density, professional environments and daily exposure to elite-level play that is difficult to find elsewhere in Spain.

Reflecting on his beginnings, Eduardo explains that water polo was not a family tradition. Neither his parents nor his siblings were involved in the sport. He initially started as a swimmer until a coach noticed his physique and suggested trying water polo as a goalkeeper. From the very first day, the position felt natural to him – and he has never questioned that decision.

A major part of the conversation focuses on youth development. Lorrio strongly believes that children should try all positions when they are young. Water polo at early ages should be about fun, movement and understanding the game – not specialization. Only later, around the ages of ten or eleven, does it make sense to gradually guide players toward specific positions based on physical development, coordination and personal preference.

Eduardo provides valuable insight into the Spanish development system, particularly the existence of specialized training centers where the most promising young goalkeepers and center players train together under top coaches. Being surrounded by peers of equal or higher level, he explains, accelerates learning, motivation and technical growth. These environments play a crucial role in producing elite goalkeepers in Spain.

The core theme of the episode is the changing role of the goalkeeper. In the past, the goalkeeper’s primary task was simple: stop shots. Today, that is only the foundation. Modern goalkeepers must read the game, communicate with defenders, support the center defense, initiate counterattacks and even actively participate in offensive phases such as six-on-five situations.

Eduardo describes how goalkeepers are now responsible for deciding the first pass of a counterattack, positioning themselves to support defensive schemes at two meters, and understanding tactical patterns to help teammates anticipate movements. In some matches, goalkeepers even directly contribute to goals by creating numerical advantages or assisting decisive plays.

Despite these added responsibilities, Lorrio emphasizes that the core duty remains unchanged: saving shots. A goalkeeper who finishes a match with a high number of saves often decides the outcome of the game. Tactical involvement enhances the role, but shot stopping remains the foundation of goalkeeping excellence.

The episode closes with reflections on why this evolution makes the position more enjoyable. Being actively involved in all phases of the game gives goalkeepers a stronger sense of responsibility, connection and influence. For Eduardo, this transformation has made modern water polo more dynamic, more tactical and far more exciting for goalkeepers than ever before.

🎧 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talk spricht Julian Real sehr offen über seine neue Rolle abseits des aktiven Leistungssports und über die strukturellen Herausforderungen, mit denen der deutsche Wasserball aktuell konfrontiert ist. Im Zentrum des Gesprächs steht eine klare Forderung: Der DSV muss deutlich stärker von oben steuern und verbindliche Vorgaben machen, um Leistungssport langfristig zu sichern.

Julian beschreibt den Perspektivwechsel vom aktiven Spieler hin zur operativ-gestaltenden Rolle beim ASC Duisburg. Nach dem olympischen Qualifikationsturnier entschied er sich bewusst, ein weiteres Jahr aktiv zu spielen und parallel Verantwortung im Verein zu übernehmen. Der Auslöser war ein Gespräch mit dem Vereinsvorsitzenden, der angesichts vieler junger Spieler und fehlender klarer Strukturen Unterstützung benötigte. Für Julian war schnell klar: Duisburg steht an einem Wendepunkt – und dieser verlangt aktives Gestalten statt Abwarten.

Ein zentrales Thema ist die Motivation junger Spieler. Julian schildert sehr realistisch, wie schwierig es geworden ist, Jugendliche langfristig für den hohen zeitlichen Aufwand des Wasserballs zu begeistern. Vier Trainingseinheiten am Morgen, zusätzliche Einheiten am Abend – all das erfordert klare Ziele. Doch genau diese Ziele seien für viele junge Spieler nicht mehr greifbar. Nationale Titel, Nationalmannschaft, internationale Turniere: Was früher realistische Perspektiven waren, erscheint heute oft weit entfernt.

Besonders deutlich wird Julian bei der fehlenden Zieldefinition durch den Verband. Er greift Aussagen des ehemaligen Bundestrainers Petar Porobić auf, der bereits betonte, dass klare Zielvorgaben „von oben“ notwendig sind. Ohne diese Orientierung fehle es an Energie, Richtung und Durchsetzungsfähigkeit. Strukturen würden zwar diskutiert, aber nicht konsequent umgesetzt. Entscheidungen würden verwässert, um möglichst niemanden zu verärgern – was letztlich Stillstand bedeute.

Auch die Förderstrukturen stehen im Fokus. Julian spricht über ungenutzte Potenziale bei Bundeswehr, Studium und dualen Modellen. Diese Instrumente existieren zwar, werden aber kaum strategisch eingesetzt oder miteinander verknüpft. Gerade für Vereine wie Duisburg, Hannover oder Berlin als Bundesstützpunkte müsse klar definiert sein, welchen Auftrag sie erfüllen: Förderung deutscher Spieler – nicht nur kurzfristiger sportlicher Erfolg.

Kritisch analysiert Julian zudem die Bundesliga-Strukturen, insbesondere Themen wie Zweitspielrechte, A- und B-Gruppen sowie die zunehmende Komplexität des Systems. Was intern vielleicht erklärbar sei, werde von außen kaum noch verstanden – weder von Eltern noch von potenziellen Neueinsteigern. Diese fehlende Transparenz schade dem Sport erheblich.

Ein wiederkehrendes Motiv ist die Konzentration auf wenige sogenannte „usual suspects“. Nationalmannschaften rekrutierten sich zunehmend aus einem sehr kleinen Kreis an Vereinen, während andere Clubs trotz guter Jugendarbeit kaum Durchlässigkeit hätten. Ohne gezielte Steuerung verstärke sich dieser Effekt – mit negativen Folgen für Breite und Basis.

Julian denkt auch alternative Modelle an, etwa eine stärkere Trennung zwischen Leistungs- und Hobbybereich oder Ansätze nach niederländischem Vorbild. Gleichzeitig macht er klar, dass es keine perfekte Lösung gebe. Entscheidend sei nicht das Modell, sondern der Mut zur Entscheidung und die Bereitschaft, Verantwortung zu übernehmen.

Trotz aller Kritik endet das Gespräch mit einer klaren Liebeserklärung an den Sport. Wasserball sei zeitintensiv, fordernd und wenig lukrativ – aber für Julian nach wie vor der beste Sport der Welt. Genau deshalb lohne es sich, für bessere Strukturen zu kämpfen.

Diese Episode ist ein analytischer, ehrlicher und sehr klarer Appell an Verband, Vereine und Entscheidungsträger, den Leistungssport im Wasserball aktiv zu gestalten – statt ihn dem Zufall zu überlassen.

🎧 Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

🤽‍♂️ Eine zentrale Folge für alle,

In dieser Episode des Waterpolo Expert Talk spricht Julian Real so offen und kritisch wie selten zuvor über die strukturellen Probleme des deutschen Wasserballs. Im Mittelpunkt steht eine klare Sorge: Die Basis des Sports droht wegzubrechen – und mit ihr langfristig auch Leistungsfähigkeit, Nachwuchs und internationale Anschlussfähigkeit.

Julian knüpft an seine eigenen Erfahrungen aus Duisburg, Hannover und dem Umfeld der Bundesliga an. Besonders eindrücklich beschreibt er den Weg vieler junger Spieler nach dem Abitur. Früher gab es vergleichsweise klare Modelle: Bundeswehr, Polizei oder Zoll ermöglichten Leistungssport mit planbaren Trainingszeiten und finanzieller Sicherheit. Heute seien diese Wege entweder stark eingeschränkt oder kaum noch bekannt – selbst innerhalb des Systems.

Ein zentrales Problem sieht Julian im fehlenden strukturellen Gesamtkonzept. Es gebe zahlreiche theoretische Möglichkeiten, junge Spieler zu unterstützen – über Bundeswehr, Polizei, Universitäten oder andere staatliche Institutionen. Doch diese Optionen würden kaum genutzt, nicht koordiniert und oft dem Zufall überlassen. Ohne klare Ansprechpartner, ohne Steuerung und ohne verbindliche Konzepte verliere man Jahr für Jahr Talente.

Besonders kritisch äußert sich Julian zur Rolle des DSV als Dachverband. Aus seiner Sicht müsste der Verband deutlich stärker lenkend eingreifen, bündeln, priorisieren und auch unbequeme Entscheidungen treffen. Stattdessen erlebe er häufig Stillstand, fehlenden Druck und zu wenig Bereitschaft, bestehende Strukturen grundsätzlich zu hinterfragen. Veränderung werde diskutiert – aber zu selten umgesetzt.

Auch die Bundesliga-Strukturen kommen zur Sprache. Julian beschreibt ein starkes Gefälle zwischen wenigen professionell aufgestellten Vereinen und einer Vielzahl von Clubs, die mit deutlich geringeren Ressourcen arbeiten. Trainingsumfänge, Infrastruktur und organisatorische Möglichkeiten unterschieden sich massiv – dennoch spielen alle im gleichen Wettbewerb. Diese Diskrepanz erschwere nicht nur sportliche Entwicklung, sondern auch gemeinsame Lösungsansätze.

Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt ist der dramatische Rückgang der Vereinsbasis. Julian schildert eindrücklich, wie früher ganze Regionen mit mehreren Wasserballvereinen besetzt waren, während heute viele Clubs ums Überleben kämpfen oder bereits verschwunden sind. Oft hänge das Fortbestehen eines Vereins an einzelnen Familien oder engagierten Einzelpersonen. Fielen diese weg, breche die Struktur komplett zusammen.

Hinzu komme die fehlende mediale Sichtbarkeit des Wasserballs. Große Turniere, Welt- oder Europameisterschaften fänden in der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung kaum statt. Für Kinder und Jugendliche sei Wasserball dadurch kaum präsent – und ohne Sichtbarkeit gebe es auch keinen Nachwuchs. Livestreams und Champions-League-Übertragungen erreichten vor allem bestehende Fans, aber kaum neue Zielgruppen.

Julian plädiert eindringlich für mehr Zusammenarbeit statt Gegeneinander. Solange die Basis so fragil sei, dürften Vereine, Verbände und Interessengruppen nicht gegeneinander arbeiten. Erst wenn der Sport insgesamt wachse, könne man wieder über Konkurrenz, Profilierung und interne Verteilungskämpfe sprechen.

Diese Episode ist ein sehr ehrlicher, unbequemer und zugleich konstruktiver Weckruf. Sie richtet sich an Funktionäre, Trainer, Spieler und alle, denen der Wasserball am Herzen liegt – und die bereit sind, über grundlegende Ver
– Verantwortung des DSV für langfristige Entwicklung
– Leistungsgefälle in der Bundesliga
– Abhängigkeit von einzelnen Familien in Vereinen
– Sinkende Zuschauerzahlen & mediale Unsichtbarkeit
– Champions League, Livestreams & Nachwuchsbegeisterung
– Zukunft des deutschen Wasserballs

Diese Folge richtet sich an Trainer:innen, Spieler:innen, Funktionär:innen, Vereinsverantwortliche, Eltern und Wasserball-Fans, die verstehen möchten, warum der deutsche Wasserball an einem entscheidenden Wendepunkt steht.

🔗 Mehr zum Podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de