Bulgarian international Aleksandar Nikolov outlined the big next step for the men's national team – consistency, which should transform Bulgaria from a team capable of defeating the strongest into a squad that regularly competes for medals.
In a special conversation for Sportcast Volleyball, the outside hitter spoke about the past Nations League, the development of the young Bulgarian team, his own role in decisive moments, preparation for the European Championship, and the huge expectations for the home matches.
Nikolov positively assessed Bulgaria's performance in the Nations League. The national team finished among the top eight in results but remained outside the final phase due to host China's guaranteed spot.
"For our team, with no substitutions, without such depth in the squad yet, to manage to reach the top 8 is a serious achievement. Especially considering that we are not in the top 8 of the rankings. We have actually surpassed ourselves in our performance," commented Nikolov.
For him, one of the biggest changes compared to previous seasons occurred even before the first match. Bulgaria no longer started the summer with the thought of how to maintain its place in the Nations League. The goal from day one was participation in the finals.
The confidence gained from previous big matches has also changed the way the national team players view themselves and their opponents.
At the same time, Nikolov did not spare the main problem – the lack of consistency.
"Consistency is something that is built with a lot of experience and a lot of time. It cannot happen so quickly in one or two years. The team has been together for two or three years, and I cannot expect such a young team to be consistent."
It is precisely there that the Bulgarian star sees the next level of development. Strong individual evenings are no longer enough. Bulgaria must start repeating its play against leading powers in significantly more matches.
"This is the next step in the process. Then there will be serious attempts and ambitions for medals at every championship – when we become consistent."

Nikolov pointed out the player who impressed him the most.

Alex Nikolov also paid special attention to individual development in the team. According to him, Asparuh Asparuhov has made an exceptionally strong step forward.
The outside hitter highlighted Asparuhov's work precisely in the elements that do not always attract the attention of spectators – reception, block, and stability in attack.
"Asparuh, in my opinion, showed his most consistent League so far and showed why he is one of the more experienced players in the team. He was consistent in everything he did, especially in the elements that are not so visible to outside spectators."
Nikolov also noted Asparuhov's huge leap in serving, pointing out that from just one or two aces in the previous edition of the tournament, he reached about 18-19 in the current one.
However, the difference is not only in individual volleyball players. According to Nikolov, the national team now has more players who can change a given match after coming off the bench. Among the names he mentioned are Denislav Baidarov, Zhasmin Velichkov, Georgi Tatarov, and Rusi Zhelev.
Greater competition also has a direct effect on training. The 6-on-6 game is now more contested, the intensity is higher, and the quality of the entire process improves.

"We went out 100% every match."

Nikolov also gave an interesting inside look at the physical and mental cost of participating in the Nations League.
Unlike teams with the longest and most equally strong benches in the world, Bulgaria still does not have the opportunity to face a certain opponent with the thought that it can save energy.
"We are not a team that, like Poland or Italy, can afford to play against China at 50%. We played every match at 100%. And that's why there are dips in our game, that's why we are inconsistent, because when you play every match at 100%, you can't be fresh and you can't make the best decisions in every one of those matches."
In addition to the strain on the court, there are also the huge distances. Nikolov gave a telling example with the travel from Argentina to Brazil, which, despite the geographical proximity between the two countries, took the national team around 18 hours.

The lesson from France

One of the painful topics remains the missed opportunity against France. Nikolov drew a parallel with the previous season, when after the victory over Poland in Gdansk, the national team was consumed by calculations for the standings and the results of other teams.
This time the approach was different.
The Bulgarians consciously refused to follow other teams' results and the various qualification scenarios. The focus had to remain on their own match. But the accumulated fatigue after the previous matches again had an impact.
Nikolov's conclusion is categorical – if Bulgaria finds itself in a similar situation again, it must take what it needs itself, instead of its fate depending on other teams' results.

Preparation for the European Championship gives grounds for optimism

After the break, the national team has now fully focused its attention on the European Championship. And Nikolov's first impressions of the preparation are more than positive.
"I can objectively say that we are training much better than we trained for the Nations League. I don't know if it's because we've rested, I don't know if it's because there's additional motivation – a home European Championship, at home. But we are training much better."
According to him, if this quality is maintained, a strong performance at the European Championship would be natural. Whether it will materialize into a medal, Nikolov does not venture to predict.

After the 20th point: Bulgaria must become unpredictable

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is related to Nikolov's role as the main scorer at the end of the sets.
He does not shy away from responsibility. On the contrary – he trains precisely for such moments and that is when he wants the ball. But at the same time, he sees a danger that Bulgaria might become too dependent on one person.
"That's what I train for – for these moments, for the balls, for the moments when everyone relies on me. That's important. However, to win medals, that's not how it works."
According to him, against average and even against some of the stronger teams, such a model can work, especially when he himself is in excellent form. Against the best, however, Bulgaria needs more solutions.
"For Bulgaria to start winning medals consistently, which is our goal, it shouldn't be like this. After the 20th point, the opponent shouldn't know what we're going to do. Or at least there should be another reliable option."
Nikolov hinted that this is precisely what is being worked on in the training process, but refused to reveal more details.

"I believe I am the best on a high ball in the world"

The Bulgarian international also made one of the boldest statements in the interview.
"I immodestly say that I am the best in the world at high balls."
Behind the confidence, however, lies concrete work. Nikolov says that for years he has been perfecting precisely this type of attack and now he feels that in a huge part of situations he can read the block and defense while still in the air and choose the right solution.
This does not mean that he doesn't see weaknesses in his own game. He pointed out two specific areas he wants to work on – efficiency with quick balls and percentages in counter-attacks.
This is also indicative of the next stage of his development. Nikolov no longer just talks about more points, but about efficiency in specific game situations that can be decisive against the strongest opponents.

The price of success – the end of anonymity

The national team's international appearances have changed Nikolov's life outside the court as well.
He admits that it is now difficult for him to remain unnoticed in public. Photos, messages, and constant attention have become part of his daily life.
"Anonymity is completely gone. But that's part of the journey and I'm glad it's that way, because it means we've done some work on the court for people to recognize us."
To maintain the focus necessary for professional sports, a large part of his media engagements now go through the team manager and his personal manager. Nikolov is also firm on another principle – an athlete should not get lost in social networks, especially in comments about themselves.

"I want the hall to erupt with cheers"

Alex Nikolov left his strongest message for last. It was addressed directly to the Bulgarian fans before the home matches of the European Championship.
He recalled the support the national team felt throughout the summer – from Brazil and the USA to Ljubljana, specifically noting the presence of Bulgarian fans in Chicago.
Now his expectations for the atmosphere at home are even greater.
"I want to tell you that you are the coolest fans and that we feel your support from afar. We are waiting for you at the European Championship for huge support. I want the hall to erupt with cheers and I want all the teams that come there to know they will have a very tough night."
The message also brings together the change in ambitions of this national team. Bulgaria no longer just wants to be competitive. It wants to reach finals, to have more solutions in decisive moments, and gradually to become a team for which fighting for medals is the rule, not the exception.