The world vice-champions from Bulgaria held an open training session in the training hall of "Arena SamElion" in Samokov, where they kicked off the new volleyball summer. The common message from the national players, head coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, and Bulgarian Volleyball Federation president Lyubo Ganev was clear – last season's successes are a source of pride, but also an incentive for even more serious work on the path to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Alex Grozdanov: The captain's armband doesn't weigh heavy

The national team captain admitted that the excellent reception after winning the world silver medal provided additional motivation for the entire squad.

"This is a great motivation – our successes from the World Championship. Each of us received a warm welcome. Huge motivation and energy. We have all grown during the past season. We know how much more we need to work to get where we want to be."

Grozdanov emphasized that Bulgaria must continue to develop step by step after the strong performance last summer.

"It's important to play match by match and build upon the small step we missed last year to play in the VNL finals."

The captain also drew attention to his leadership role in the team.

"I've always wanted to set an example. To show how things are done. Marti Atanasov also does this non-stop. I don't think the captain's armband weighs heavy."

According to him, the new players have integrated seamlessly, and the team atmosphere remains excellent.

Gianlorenzo Blengini: We must remain competitive

The head coach of Bulgaria refused to set a specific goal for ranking in the Nations League, but emphasized that the most important thing is for the team to be competitive against every opponent.

"I wouldn't want to give a specific place where I want us to finish in the Nations League. Our main goal is to be competitive and play for a win in every match."

The Italian specialist believes that the expectations for the team are completely natural after the achieved results.

"I don't think the expectations weigh heavily. If they exist, it means we are doing things well. Every player must accept that stress and expectations are normal."

Blengini reminded that the big goal remains qualification for the Olympic Games in 2028.

"We will have to work very hard. Everything depends on our position in the world ranking. It won't be easy, but we will do everything necessary."

He added that the tournament in Poland provided an opportunity for the staff to assess both new and more experienced players under conditions of serious international competition.

Asparuh Asparuhov: Expectations motivate us

The receiver admitted that the emotions from winning the world silver medal are still alive, but they have now been processed in a different way.

"A little time has passed, and we have managed to make sense of what happened. God willing, we will play even better."

Asparuhov views high expectations as a positive factor.

"It's normal for there to be expectations of us. This gives us a lot of motivation to work even harder."

He emphasized that the team is focused on its own development.

"It was clear what we can do. We want a better ranking and we're working hard for it. We're not interested in how other teams view us. We're pursuing our own goals."

Martin Atanasov: The dream is a European title.

One of the team's leaders did not hide that after the world silver medal, ambitions have grown.

"It sounds much better to me: Bulgaria is a European Championship winner."

Atanasov is convinced that the team has the potential to take another step forward.

"We were very close to playing in the VNL finals last summer. In my opinion, we will perform even better this season."

The outside hitter emphasized that successes do not bring pressure, but additional motivation.

"We work every day for our dream. Neither expectations nor responsibility weigh us down."

Lyubo Ganev: We believe 100 percent in this team.

The President of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation assured the national team members that the federation will continue to provide them with all necessary conditions.

"I told the guys that we are continuing on the same path towards Los Angeles 2028. As a federation, we will do everything necessary. We believe 100 percent in this team."

Ganev also revealed that Gianlorenzo Blengini's contract has already been extended according to the previously agreed terms.

"The contract was for 3+2 years, but it has already been automatically renewed, and fully deservedly so."

The President expressed gratitude to the owner of the complex, Eng. Petar Georgiev, for the excellent conditions the national team uses.

Looking ahead.

After the historic world silver medal, the Bulgarian national team members do not hide their ambitions for new successes. The team is convinced that the best is yet to come, and the next big goals are participation in the Volleyball Nations League Finals, a strong performance at the World Championship, and a gradual climb towards the most important dream – qualifying for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.