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Statements after the final match in efbet Super Volley: Champions rejoice, vice-champions proudly look ahead

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April 27, 2025 at 23:19

Statements after the final match in efbet Super Volley: Champions rejoice, vice-champions proudly look ahead

After the end of the third final match in efbet Super Volley, in which Levski Sofia defeated Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv) 3:0 and won the championship title, players and coaches shared their emotions and reflections on the season.


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Venislav Antov (Opposite Hitter and MVP of the final series and the season, Levski Sofia):

The young star of the champions, Venislav Antov, stated that Levski was strongest in the most important moments, which helped win the title. "A very tough series. Perhaps the fact that we won it 3:0 deceives people. In the first two matches, we won by a very narrow margin. In the first, we were down 2:0, and in the second, we were trailing in the tie-break. The most important thing is that we endured as a team," he commented. Antov admitted that there was a "slight slump" during the season, but in key moments, the team showed good enough volleyball. Asked about his future, the MVP of the final stated: "Now I will enjoy the victory, and I suppose in a few days I will have more clarity on this issue." Antov added that this was a unique season and that the set goal was achieved, albeit with difficulty, which makes it "sweet." He emphasized that the collective was key to success – "we managed to stick together, without any drama or arguments." The feeling of playing in front of a packed hall is "indescribable" and "obliging." "In front of such a crowd, I couldn't imagine losing," he was categorical.


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Nayden Naydenov (Head Coach, Lokomotiv Avia Plovdiv):

The coach of the vice-champions, Nayden Naydenov, congratulated everyone in his team for their dignified performance. "We had our chances, but after 2:0 in the series today, the opponents came out with more confidence, and we were more uncertain. The important thing is that even today we fought until the end. The team play of both teams was at a high level, and everyone deserves congratulations," he said after the match. Naydenov described the second place as a "huge success" and a "very big springboard" for the team and for the youth. "An incredible success, no one expected it from us this season. I hope next year we will be even stronger, because in Europe you have to go out with your head held high and have something to show," concluded Naydenov, proudly looking towards Lokomotiv's future.


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Nikolay Zhelyazkov (Head Coach, Levski Sofia):

The coach of the champions, Nikolay Zhelyazkov, emphasized the efforts that led to winning all possible trophies in Bulgaria. "It was a very tough year for the entire team. We played the most matches, but the boys gave their all to win all possible trophies – title, cup, and supercup. This is very difficult, and well done to everyone at Levski for the work they put in," he stated. Zhelyazkov stressed that the success is the result of the efforts of the management, staff, and public. He noted that every year is different and this season they changed some elements in their game, and a good start to the season helped them. "Throughout the year, regardless of the difficulties, we managed the team well. It was not easy by any means," said Zhelyazkov. He recalled the difficult playoff series, including the loss in the first quarterfinal at home and the tough semifinals, leading up to today. "This is the result of a lot of hard work, effort, and sweat," concluded the coach.


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Todor Skrimov (Outside Hitter, Levski Sofia):

Experienced outside hitter Todor Skrimov was impressed by the atmosphere in the hall and stated that he enjoyed returning to Bulgaria because of such an audience. "Today was great! I haven't played in front of such a crowd in a long time. The matches were very tough," he shared. Skrimov divided the season into two stages – until New Year, when the team was very convincing, and after New Year, when they had a few losses and the forces were somewhat balanced. He described the playoffs as "very even," "very strong competition, and a tough season." He is glad that the team managed to win. Skrimov also expressed confidence in the future of young teammates Venislav Antov and Vladimir Garkov, stating that "they are ready and will do great wherever they go."


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Svetoslav Gotsev (Middle Blocker and Captain, Levski Sofia):

Levski captain Svetoslav Gotsev was extremely emotional after winning the treble. He recalled the difficulties in the playoffs – the comeback against Cherno More after losing the first match, the tough series with Beroe, falling behind 0:2 sets in the first final match, and trailing 3:7 in the tie-break of the second final match. "We succeeded! So, we succeeded!" Gotsev repeated emotionally. He admitted that the 3:0 victory in the last match does not fully reflect Lokomotiv's resistance, but noted that the team played with focus and few errors. Gotsev expressed a little bitterness about the unsuccessful performance in European tournaments, believing that opponents like Lüneburg and Chaumont were more or less at Levski's level. He emphasized that "the Levski jersey carries weight" and that 1700-1800 people expect victories in every match, guaranteeing that the players give their maximum. "This is a perfect starting point, and the results are the fruit of training," concluded the captain.


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Vladimir Garkov (Outside Hitter, Levski Sofia):

The outside hitter of the new-old champions, Vladimir Garkov, who made a major contribution in the last match with 13 points (3 aces), also expressed satisfaction with the achievement. "I am glad that we managed to come together and win. I am happy that everything ended well. We showed great teamwork and proved that we deserve the title," said Garkov. Asked if he feels ready for a transfer abroad, he replied: "I think I am ready for high-class volleyball abroad, but let me celebrate now first."