Lublin's Bulgarian middle blocker, Alex Grozdanov, gave an interview to the official website of the Polish PlusLiga.

PLUSLIGA.PL: BOGDANKA LUK Lublin led against Asseco Resovia Rzeszów with 2:1 sets, but lost the match 2:3. Rzeszów impressed with the number of block points - a total of 17. Was this the element that made the biggest difference in this match?

Alex Grozdanov: In my opinion, first of all, we missed our chance to win the match in the fourth set, in which we significantly reduced our tempo. The opponents indeed had a very good block, but we also responded to them in this element. It is true that the number of blocks from Rzeszów was higher and that made a difference. In the tie-break, however, the serve was also very important. Both teams had good runs in this element, but in the final action Resovia scored an ace and won the entire match, so that was decisive.

PLUSLIGA.PL: You have a series of away games ahead, as on Wednesday you will play a match with CV Melilla as part of the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup 1/4 finals. On Sunday you will play in Suwałki against Ślepsk Malow. Does the match in the European tournaments promise to be easier than the competition in PlusLiga?

AG: Maybe, but we must be one hundred percent prepared for every match. Before the match, there is no point in saying whether the opponent is easier or harder. We have to give everything we have on the court and try to finish the matches as quickly as possible in our favor when an opportunity arises, to save energy for the next matches. Now we will have a really tougher time with the upcoming travels and January will be intense for us in this regard, but this is our job, so we have to prepare well for the next match and constantly pressure our opponents.

PLUSLIGA.PL: Before the start of PlusLiga, you talked about wanting to test yourself against the many good middle blockers playing in Polish competitions. So far, you are high in the blocking rankings. How do you find the competition in this position?

AG: The level is very high. In PlusLiga, there is no shortage of good foreign middle blockers, and there are also many great Polish middle blockers. Competition in such conditions is perfect for improving and constantly growing. Moreover, the volleyball atmosphere in Poland is excellent for the development of any player.

PLUSLIGA.PL: Are you satisfied with your game and your stay in Poland?

AG: In terms of volleyball, it's truly incredible in Poland. This is the highest level. I think PlusLiga is the best league in Europe this season. Outside of volleyball, I definitely don't like long journeys, but I realize they are part of our job. I also think that there is no player who likes long journeys to matches. In our profession, however, we have to deal with them.

PLUSLIGA.PL: BOGDANKA LUK Lublin has been performing very well since the start of the competition and is in the top 4 of the PlusLiga table. Will you be able to fight for a medal?

AG:For now, we are focused on giving our maximum in every match. In my opinion, in PlusLiga there is a large group of teams that will fight to be in the Final Four later. Of course, our team is also among these contenders. However, we cannot rush too much. First, we must do our best to secure the best position before the playoffs, and then perform as best as possible in the decisive matches.

PLUSLIGA.PL: Have you set an individual goal to achieve in 2025?

AG:I don't have any special plans for this year. I think one should work regularly all the time. There are certainly many things I can still improve in my game. However, that doesn't mean doing it from January 1st of the New Year, but consistently from the beginning of the season.

PLUSLIGA.PL: Are there prospects for Bulgaria to be a positive surprise in international competitions this year?

AG:There are still a few months left until the competitive season, so I'm not thinking about that at the moment. I'm definitely glad that many young and talented boys from Bulgaria are playing in foreign clubs, even in Italy and Turkey, which can give them more opportunities to play well in the national team. For now, however, I'm mainly focusing on what awaits me and my team in the coming days and in the next match.