The head coach of the Bulgarian men's national team, Gianlorenzo Blengini, remains firmly focused on the big goal for the "Lions" – qualification for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
The Italian specialist extended his contract with the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, and during the national team's open training session in Samokov, he emphasized that the decision to continue their joint work was completely mutual.
"For me, the most important thing is that, in the end, this is a mutual decision, and there was a clear and categorical desire from both sides to continue in this direction. It is clear to everyone that the goal has not changed from the very beginning, from the first day I came here, which is qualification for the Olympic Games. Everything we do every day is subordinated to this goal – all the training and efforts of the players, the staff, all of us," Blengini stated to journalists in Samokov.

Blengini: We were very close to the VNL finals

The head coach did not hide his regret that Bulgaria was just one win away from qualifying for the final tournament of the Nations League this summer.
At the same time, the Italian noted the progress compared to the previous season and the team's performance after the high expectations generated by their success at the World Championship.
"There is regret in us. We were really close to qualifying for the Nations League finals. We built upon last year's performance, we did a lot of good things. It was difficult after qualifying for the World Championship last year because of the high expectations placed on us. We had a good performance in the League," Blengini commented.
However, the Italian specialist does not want his volleyball players to dwell on what has been achieved so far. According to him, the next step should be taken at the upcoming European Championship.
"I want the players to think about what is happening today and what is related to what we are doing now. The main goal is to show our best version during Euro 2026. There are things we need to work on."

Bulgaria analyzed the top 8 teams in the VNL

Blengini also revealed part of the staff's work after the end of the Nations League. Bulgaria's performance was compared to that of the eight teams that reached the final phase of the tournament.
"We analyzed the top eight teams from the Nations League. We need to make an additional upgrade. This is what I ask of the players every day," the head coach stated emphatically.
He also cooled down the excessively high expectations before Euro 2026. According to Blengini, Bulgaria now has the potential to challenge the leading forces, but the favorites for the European title remain others.
"We are not favorites for the title. There are teams ahead of us like Poland, Italy, and the Olympic champion France. These teams are favorites. The expectations are on them. We just have to show our best version."

Blengini received permission to coach a club team as well

During the extension of his contract, the Italian set only one additional condition for the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation – to have the opportunity to accept an offer from a club team, if he receives one that meets his requirements.
"The only thing I asked for was to be given the opportunity, if I wished and received a suitable offer, to be free to take on a club team as well. This was accepted, for which I am truly grateful to the management of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation," Blengini explained.
The head coach revealed that during the first two years of his work in Bulgaria, he consciously declined numerous offers from clubs.
"In the first two years of my contract with the federation, I declined many offers because I thought it was the right thing to do to get to know the situation here in more detail. Now I felt that the moment had come when I could also take on a club team."
At this stage, however, there is no concrete news about a next club in the Italian's career.
"Now, where things will go next is yet to be clarified. I just wanted to have the peace of mind knowing that I have their permission. At the moment, I am fully focused on preparing the national team for the European Championship," he added.

The dual commitment does not worry the Italian

For Blengini, the potential combination of national and club teams will not be something new. He already has similar experience from the period when he simultaneously led the Italian national team and Lube Civitanova.
"As for whether I will cope with a dual commitment – I have done it as a coach for Italy and Lube, and it worked out. For me, this will not be a problem because I have already done it. Of course, it will be quite demanding and will involve additional effort on my part, but I have no concerns that I will manage," Gianlorenzo Blengini stated emphatically.
The Italian also thanked the Bulgarian public for their support during the Nations League matches and expressed hope that the national team would once again give fans reasons to rejoice.
After the strong performance in the VNL, the focus is now on Euro 2026. For Blengini, however, the European Championship is another important step on a longer journey. The ultimate goal remains the same – Los Angeles 2028.