In a stunning turn of events in the PlusLiga, German volleyball legend Georg Grozer has made a remarkable return to the Polish league, joining Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie as a medical transfer. Grozer, 40, steps in to replace the injured Karol Butryn, who suffered a significant injury during the semifinal match against PGE Projekt Warszawa. This move not only marks Grozer's return to the PlusLiga after a 13-year absence but also gives Zawiercie a fighting chance in the finals against Bogdanka LUK Lublin.
Grozer's return has sparked excitement among fans and teammates alike, as he aims to help the Jurajski Rycerze clinch their first Polish championship. The team has faced a tough road, having lost the first two finals against Lublin without winning a single set. However, Grozer's debut in the third match proved to be a turning point, as he contributed significantly to a 3:1 victory that extended the series.
Reflecting on his decision to join Zawiercie, Grozer revealed that he had the opportunity to return to Poland a year ago but declined an offer from Trefl Gdańsk. He stated, "I didn’t want to come back to Poland just to play; I wanted to have a chance to compete for the highest goals. When I left PlusLiga in 2012, I achieved something wonderful, and I dreamed of experiencing something similar again. Playing for a team that wouldn’t have a chance for success didn’t interest me."
Grozer's career has spanned numerous leagues across Europe, including stints with clubs like Zenit Petersburg and Arkas Spor Izmir. He emphasized that while financial incentives played a role in his decisions, the feeling of belonging to a team was paramount. "I played in Arkas Izmir for less than what Trefl Gdańsk offered, but it wasn’t about money; it was about feeling good in the team and enjoying volleyball," he explained.
Upon joining Zawiercie, Grozer quickly integrated with his new teammates, making an effort to build rapport through shared meals and training sessions. "I drank coffee with the guys, went out for dinner to understand their character. I tried to give my all in training to earn their trust," he shared. His efforts paid off, as teammates praised his energy and skill on the court.
In the third final match, Grozer scored 19 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and energizing his teammates. Bartosz Kwolek, who was named MVP of the match, remarked, "Georg is a fantastic player, and despite being 40, he plays like an 18-year-old. He adds a lot to our locker room and brings a great energy to the team."
As the series continues, Grozer remains focused on the task at hand. The fourth match is set to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Lublin. If Zawiercie wins, a decisive fifth match will follow on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Grozer expressed his enthusiasm for competing in one of the best leagues in the world, stating, "If you come to Poland, it’s not hard to motivate yourself. People love volleyball here and give you a lot of love. It’s a pleasure to feel such emotions at 40 years old."
Moreover, Grozer hinted at a significant personal gesture should Zawiercie secure the championship. "If we win the title, I will tattoo the Aluron CMC Warta logo. I didn’t work the whole season with the guys, but I still want to commemorate this achievement," he promised.
As the tension builds in the finals, the stakes couldn't be higher for Grozer and his teammates. With the support of passionate fans and the thrill of competition, the Jurajski Rycerze are poised to make a historic run for the championship with Grozer leading the charge.
