Samuil Valchinov, a 202-centimeter outside hitter, began his career as a youth player for Viktoria Volley, moving through Levski Sofia, Dea Burgas, and Montana, before joining the Italian club Banca Macerata Fisiomed MC. With Macerata, they managed to stay in Serie A2 after winning promotion in the 2023/24 season. He reached the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup, where he was eliminated by his former Levski teammate Gordan Lyutskanov (Aversa). Last year, for the first time, he was called up by coach Blengini to the Bulgarian national team. Especially for volleyweek.bg, Samuil spoke about his expectations for the new volleyball summer, when he and his brother Kaloyan, who last played for Montana, will be teammates in the national team, and the challenges will be significant for both.
Samuil, first season in Italy - how did it change you as a player and a person? Was there anything that surprised you about the atmosphere or the style of volleyball there? 🇮🇹
I don't know where to start... Everything in Italy influenced me positively - from the lifestyle, the atmosphere, the work style, the travels, the organization, all the way to the level of the League and the overall work during the season. All of this coincided with my character and interests. I was surprised by how many internal talents they have - players I hadn't even heard of before, who turned out to be extremely valuable. For Macerata, it was very important to stay in A2; we knew that the year after promotion is always difficult for a team to survive. Everything ended happily!
What was the feeling when you found out you were once again part of Bulgaria's expanded squad? Do you have a personal ambition for this summer with the national team? 🇧🇬
The national team is a great thrill and emotion for me - a childhood dream come true. I will always be happy to be a part of it. My personal ambition is to be part of the generation that will restore the glory and success of the Bulgarian national team! The goal is clear - Los Angeles 2028!
Being on the same team as your brother - is that a help or additional pressure? And with the Nikolov brothers - it seems like this will be a very "brotherly" summer? 😄
It's very interesting to be in camp together - something that seemed unthinkable years ago, and now it's a reality. An interesting fact is that we played with the Nikolov brothers in front of the block as children, and now we are teammates in the national team. Life brings us incredible surprises. We are definitely in for a "brotherly" and unforgettable summer! 😊
If you had to describe this past season in one word - which would it be and why that one?
Pleasure.
Because everything I experienced - from training to matches and travels - brought me true pleasure.
What does Samuil Valchinov do when he's not in the gym - football with friends, Netflix, or something completely different?
I love playing physical and virtual games with friends, going for walks, or just going out for a nice dinner or lunch with my girlfriend!
photos: facebook and Nikolay Varadinov
