Funchal 2026: Eva Doudesis: ‘We’re not here to defend our title, we are here to try to earn it again’
Netherlands coach Eva Doudesis and his squad have arrived in Funchal as the reigning champions – after winning the 2024 European Championship in Eindhoven – but says his players are not thinking about their previous successes and are only concentrating on the future.
Speaking at Saturday’s pre-tournament press conference in Funchal, he said: “We are not here to defend our title; we are here to try to earn it again. We feel the pressure always. It’s not something different because we won the title last time.”
The Dutch coach was also keen to play down any expectations of his team by pointing out they are one of possibly five teams that could lift the trophy on Thursday, 5 February.
“When you talk about winning the title, I think we need to be honest. I think there are five teams that can fight for this trophy – Spain, Italy, Hungary, Greece and the Netherlands – and I would say all of those teams have an equal chance of winning this championships.”
When it comes to Portugal hosting the tournament for the first time, their coach Ferran Pascual says he is fully embracing the opportunity and is proud to have also guided the team to their first European Championships since 2016 (after qualifying outright before the host nation was decided).
“We don’t feel the pressure to host this tournament, it’s a privilege,” said Pascual. “We’re so excited to be here, to be participating in these championships. We have worked so hard over the past few years to make it here.
“We have lost so many quality players along the way, but gained others, and we still made it, and we deserve to be here.
“We hope to be involved with the next European Championships as well, and further in the future. This is just our first step, not the last.”
With his Spanish roots, Pascual is naturally a keen admirer of his home nation’s water polo programme, and when asked about his ties to his motherland, he commented, “We have a lot to learn from the Spanish team, and we are always trying to do so. They are the best.”
Mia Simunic, the Croatia coach, meanwhile spoke about the aims of her young team in Funchal, “We have finished in eighth place at three European Championships (2010, 2022 and 2024), and now we will try to at least achieve that again here, but it’s going to be difficult because I think we are the youngest team.
“With most of our squad born between 2005 and 2009, and with only one player aged 27, we have come with our junior team.
“But these girls know how to play, and we will try to show everyone the best water polo we can.”
Dutch captain Maartje Keuning also spoke about her new position leading the team, after she was recently handed the reins following Sabrina van der Sloot’s announcement she was pregnant.
“This is obviously a new role for me and I’m very proud to be the captain of this beautiful team,” said Keuning. “We’re very excited to be here and we can’t wait to start this tournament.”
Prior to arriving in Funchal, the Dutch team enjoyed two training camps alongside the USA and Italy, which Keuning believes were great preparation for the two weeks ahead.
“We spent one week with the USA, which was really good for us, as they are one of the most competitive teams in the world right now, so we learned a lot during that week.
“We have some new girls in the team, so we have to look for a new balance, and I think training alongside the USA really helped with that, and I think I can say the same about our sessions with Italy.”
The press conference was opened via a video link from Belgrade by European Aquatics president Antonio Silva, who commented, “This is a truly historic moment for our sport. I’m very proud that, for the first time in the history of the European Championships, my home country of Portugal will host this prestigious event, which marks the 21st edition of this continental showcase for women’s water polo.
“Europe’s top teams and players will compete at the state-of-the-art Funchal Olympic Pools Complex, a venue befitting the talent and passion of these elite athletes.
“This year’s Championships will feature an exciting new competition format designed to bring plenty of entertainment for both fans and athletes, where every match and every point matters.”
Miguel Arrobas, President of the Portuguese Swimming Federation, added, “These championships represent an important opportunity to promote the development of water polo in Portugal, with a strong and deliberate focus on the growth and visibility of women’s sport.
“We believe that hosting events like this is the most effective way to inspire young girls, strengthen national programmes and reinforce the future of women’s water polo.”
Funchal councillor Mrs Helena Leal, meanwhile, stated, “It’s a real pleasure to host these international championships. This event has the support of the Municipality of Funchal and represents an important opportunity for Madeira.
“The Funchal City Council has played a key part in making this Championships possible, with the event helping to promote Funchal as a city that is open to all sports and international events.”
Mr Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, added: “Madeira has excellent sports facilities, including the Funchal Olympic Pools Complex, and offers them within a safe and welcoming environment.
“This tournament is very important for Madeira and for Portugal, and it puts Funchal on the international sporting map.”
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Andy Rollé for European Aquatics
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