Tartu Bigbank, a prominent volleyball club in Estonia, has announced the termination of its cooperation with head coach Alar Rikberg. This decision follows recent critical remarks made by Rikberg about the team's players in the media, which the club deemed inconsistent with its values and team culture. They emphasized the importance of mutual respect between players and coaches and the need for internal resolution of team issues.

Alar Rikberg's criticism came after a disappointing performance where the Estonian champions finished fourth in the Baltic league, culminating in a 0:3 loss in the bronze medal match against Võru Barrus. His comments pointed out the poor performances of key players, including the team captain Martti Juhkami, which sparked controversy and dissatisfaction within the organization.

In light of these developments, the management of Tartu Bigbank is now looking to reinforce its organizational culture that prioritizes respect and support, especially under challenging circumstances. The club's commitment to resolve these issues internally signals a focus on rebuilding team dynamics while aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the league moving forward.