Zsolt Varga is to remain as Hungarian national team coach, while women’s assistant coach Sándor Cseh will replace Attila Mihók as the women’s head coach.

In a strategic decision, the Hungarian Water Polo Association confirmed the continuation of Varga and Cseh’s roles, signing them to 2+2 year contracts. These appointments reflect a commitment to maintaining Hungary’s competitive edge and nurturing new talent in both the men’s and women’s teams.

At a press conference in Budapest today, the Hungarian Water Polo Association announced the continued leadership of Zsolt Varga for the men’s team and Sándor Cseh’s new role as the sole head coach for the women’s team.

Norbert Madaras, president of the Hungarian Water Polo Association, revealed that Varga and Cseh’s 2+2 year contracts include a performance clause, allowing termination if their teams do not place in the top four at world tournaments. This decision came after an initial post-Olympics evaluation and discussions by the new presidency formed in October.

Madaras emphasized the close nature of competition at the Paris Olympics, where many quarter-finals were determined by narrow margins, showcasing how balanced the field had become. “The nuances that favored us in the past didn’t work this time,” he noted, stressing the need to fine-tune details to bring Hungary back on top. Moving forward, federation captains will have broader responsibilities, working daily to elevate their teams.

Appointed in 2022, Zsolt Varga quickly made his mark by securing a European Championship silver and a world championship win in Fukuoka. The men’s fourth-place finish in Paris, however, underscored the need for renewal. “For a generation, it’s over now. A new team has to be built, new foundations laid,” Varga stated. He aims to assemble a team characterized by resilience and unity, focusing on both defensive and offensive strength. “I want to build a team that everyone can be proud of,” he added.

Previously co-managing the women’s team with Attila Mihók, Sándor Cseh now steps in as the primary head coach. Their joint leadership saw the team finishing fifth at the European Championships and earning a silver medal at the World Championships in Doha, securing Olympic qualification. Despite this, Madaras noted the need for a coach solely focused on the national team, leading to Cseh’s promotion.

Cseh expressed pride in the progress made over the past nine months, highlighting the growing unity within the team. “Of course, difficulties will come, and positions may shift weekly. But something interesting has begun, and the task is extremely honorable,” Cseh reflected.