Lube Civitanova's new sports director, Marko Podraščanin, did not hide his admiration for brothers Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov in an extensive interview for the Serbian publicationMeridian Sport. The legendary Serbian middle blocker, who ended his impressive career this summer, spoke about Aleksandar Nikolov, already established in world volleyball, as well as the acquisition of his younger brother Simeon, which took place this summer.
Podraščanin admitted that signing Simeon Nikolov was a serious challenge, but Lube was convinced that they had to bring the two brothers together in one team.
"It was a challenge, but Alex is one of the best players in the world right now. The system with three receivers, which we use and which Gianlorenzo Blengini also applies in the Bulgarian national team, will help both us and them a lot. We got the opportunity to sign Moni and we succeeded. They signed three-year contracts with the club. This combination of youth and already accumulated experience, even though they are only 23 and 19 years old, will benefit both Lube and themselves," states Podraščanin.
According to him, the effect of Simeon joining the team and the brothers reuniting is already being felt off the court.
"Even now we see the result in the sale of season tickets. In the first ten days alone, we almost reached the number from the entire last season. They will help not only with their sports qualities but also with the popularity of the club, the interest of sponsors and fans," adds Lube's sports director.
His words about the 19-year-old setter Simeon Nikolov are particularly impressive.
"He is one of the players who change the way volleyball is viewed. It's a real pleasure to watch him. He comes from a volleyball family and knows perfectly well what he needs to work on. He is already at a very high level as a setter, despite his age. He is not just a good attacker and blocker – above all, he is an excellent setter. I believe he will raise the quality of our team this season," says Podraščanin.
The former Serbian international also revealed that he personally observed Bulgaria's performance in the Nations League tournament in Ljubljana, where he was greatly impressed by the two brothers.
"I watched them in two Nations League matches in Ljubljana. They are not only excellent players and achieve results, but they also make their teammates better. Moreover, it is a real pleasure to watch them on the court," Podraščanin further shares withMeridian Sport.

photo:lubevolley.it