Attila Biro has bid farewell to his role as Hungary women’s head coach, describing his time with the national team as “the best eight years of his life.”
In the statement released on the Hungarian Water Polo Federation’s website, the 57-year-old has bidden a heartfelt goodbye to the Hungarian women’s national water polo team and its devoted fan base, expressing his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure.
Biro began by saying, “First of all, let me start by saying that I spent the best eight years of my life with the women’s national team.” Reflecting on the journey, he highlighted the exceptional period of success, noting that the team had the privilege of participating in twenty-one world competitions. Impressively, fifteen of these competitions saw the team advance to at least the semi-finals, culminating in ten podium finishes.
During his time as head coach, Biro celebrated several monumental victories that helped revitalize Hungarian women’s water polo. “We immediately became European champions,” he reminisced, a testament to his immediate impact. Further solidifying their legacy, Biro proudly recounted their historic achievement: “Then we managed to win the first Olympic medal for Hungarian women’s water polo.”
Among the cherished memories, Biro emphasized the unforgettable experience of winning a World Championship silver medal in front of a fervent crowd on Margaret Island. “Last year’s World Championship silver medal in front of eight thousand fans is also an eternal experience,” he shared, “not only for me and the team but for hundreds of thousands of Hungarian sports fans.” This moment captured the essence of the team’s journey and the profound impact they had on the women’s game in the country.
In his farewell, Biro extended his heartfelt appreciation to the various pillars of support that enabled their success. “Thank you for everything, firstly to the players, then to the members of my staff, to my family, and to everyone who stood by us,” he expressed. His gratitude extended to the enthusiastic fans who cheered passionately, especially singling out the Carpathian Brigade for their unwavering presence and encouragement during pivotal matches. Biro acknowledged, “The Carpathian Brigade, whose members came to many important matches and encouraged the girls.”
Biro’s departure follows the team’s slump since winning silver at the World Championships. A poor 5th place finish at the European Championships in Split, followed by a sixth-place finish at the World Championships in Fukuoka, led to the unanimous decision by the Hungarian Water Polo Federation’s Presidency to dismiss the former New Zealand head coach. Despite his removal, his impact on the current Hungarian women’s team remains indelible.
With qualification for the Paris Olympics a must, a replacement will be needed sooner rather than later. UVSE head coach Marton Benczur, as well as another Hungarian junior national team head coach, Tamas Varga, have been mentioned in the conversation. BVSC’s Mercedesz Stieber is also rumored to be a contender, alongside former men’s national team head coach and Olympic Champion Tamas Marcz.
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