Polish champion and a pillar in the center of the net– Aleksandar Grozdanov returns to the national team with a title, confidence, and a clear goal:Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Before the start of the Nations League, he spoke frankly about the competition in the group, his respect for legends like Wilfredo Leon, and his desire to restore the glory of Bulgarian volleyball.


Hello, Alex! First, congratulations on the championship title! How did you manage to come back in the crucial first game of the fourth title match against Zawiercie?

The team we built was key to this turn of events. Many times throughout the season, we managed to come back in such situations. We remained calm and helped each other. I think this is the key – the team we built. Our cohesion emotionally affected the opponent in that part. By the way, this team spirit also helped us in the Challenge Cup final against Lube in Civitanova, when they were leading 2-0 and were one step away from a "golden set."

What is it like to lift the trophy as a Bulgarian in the Polish championship?

The feeling is great! With all the competition, all the big names... To finish in first place is something unique. No one even considered us. We were, more or less, underdogs – despite Wilfredo Leon, that big global name. They predicted we wouldn't achieve anything. I'm glad we managed to disprove all those predictions. That's why sports are a social phenomenon – because you never know how things will turn out. You can't put labels on teams beforehand. This year, we became the center of Poland.

How do you rate your performance this season, after finishing second in blocking?

Without false modesty – it could have been better, to be in first place (laughs). Seriously – of course, I'm satisfied. After all, to be in this position, and the difference from the first place to be minimal... I'm happy as a blocker, but for me, that's not of such essential importance – the main thing is that the title is in our hands.

What, in particular, was key to the success this season?

I'll repeat again – the team. The fact that on paper other teams with their big names were favorites doesn't change the fact that we won with a team, with a squad built on the court, not with names on paper. Certainly, Wilfredo Leon is an exception. He had a great influence on us. He showed us how to become a champion and helped us build a team. His mere presence on the court affected us very positively. He gave us a sense of calm, certainty that when he stood at the service line, things would change in our favor. The opponent's nervousness was always evident when he went to serve. He is a great professional and performs even when injured.

Did you say anything special in the locker room before the last match of the final series?

No, we didn't say anything special. It was like any other match, which is great – to go out for a final with the mindset of any other match, without unnecessary overthinking. This is key and there's no need to even say anything.

What does it mean to you to be a teammate with a volleyball player like Leon?

For me, it's a unique honor, and I'm glad I managed to be side by side with such a personality for an entire season. It's phenomenal that I managed to lift the cup with him and that he taught me new things this season. He's simply a unique person, a unique athlete, a great professional. He is an example in life and in the gym. He gives me advice – naturally, he's older than me, after all. We discuss many things together; I bombard him with tons of questions non-stop. I try to "steal the trade," as they say – to take from his experience and learn new things faster. For that, I thank him. He has never refused me advice or treated me with disdain – not once has he shown "haughtiness" because of his star status. Such things do not exist with him. Even in the most difficult moments, when he was incredibly tired – you could just see he couldn't walk anymore – he would spend half an hour, an hour in the gym for the fans, for the children. That's... simply hats off to him. There's nothing more to say.

It became clear that Leon will stay with the team. What is your future at Bogdanka?

I want the club to announce it officially. But I'm glad he's staying here. And if I stay too, we'll have the opportunity to work for another year. In all likelihood, I will stay, yes.

This means we will see many Bulgarians in the group stage of the Champions League.

Yes, it will be quite interesting. We have Alex Nikolov, Martin Atanasov, Levski – the whole team, us – Lublin. So it will be very interesting for the Bulgarian public. I hope it turns out that we play in front of our home crowd, as they say.

What are your goals as captain of the national team? What are the expectations for the upcoming summer?

To give more than last year. As for goals - they coincide with those of the staff for the upcoming tournaments and, I believe, with those of every other athlete. Just to play good volleyball and have success. To gradually build up.

What does it mean to you to lead Bulgaria?

The feeling is amazing. It's not easy to describe. As a child, I didn't even dream of it. Being the captain of the national team is a great recognition for an athlete. I certainly didn't expect it. I have no experience, but I'm enjoying it. I told myself that I would give my all, helping the team in any way I can. I hope things work out.

Your message to young people who dream of reaching the national team?

To keep dreaming. To work hard. And things will work out. Everything takes time. So, have patience and perseverance. Every dream comes true.

Are there players who, in your opinion, deserve more attention in the national team?

Certainly, every athlete deserves attention. The attention should be equal among everyone, in my opinion. Because everyone has earned their place there. Everyone puts in the same effort to move the team forward. So, I cannot single out someone who deserves more or less attention. I believe that everyone has achieved something great to be in the national team. There are many guys who are just walking the same path for improvement. I am happy for Borko Nachev. I truly wish him to have a strong season in Italy, to learn, to move forward and develop. As well as for all the other guys who are going abroad for the first time. And there are quite a few of them...

Will you be able to challenge teams like Germany and Slovenia in the group for the World Championship in the Philippines?

I think we will. That's what we're working for. We can already see individual progress in all players year after year. There are many people who play in strong leagues. My namesake, Alex Nikolov, and I played in finals – I in Poland, he in Italy. The same goes for Marti Atanasov in Turkey. Denis Karyagin improved in the strong Turkish league. I played with him in Italy – in Monza, together with Grozer, who surprised everyone at 40 years old. He (Grozer ed.) is also a legend like Wilfredo León, who serves as an example. He is an incredibly positive person – humble, down to earth. After the match, we congratulated each other. It was a very sweet moment for me. This great athlete thanked me and said he was proud that we played a final together. And indeed, that is equal to a trophy.

You mentioned that starting with the mindset of just getting out of the group at the World Championship is not right. Do you think we will get out of the group, and even do more?

Yes, I do. Many people, especially in sports, say that you should think 'match by match'. That's true. I believe that we will do that – we will think match by match, we will be focused. But we also need to have a long-term goal, idea, a vision of how we can go further.

It's unnecessary then to ask what your long-term goal is.

I don't think there's another answer to that question. Los Angeles 2028 is the goal of all of Bulgaria. And yet, I dare say that we are, perhaps, the number one collective sport in the country. Previous generations have solidified this, so it is right to restore that glory – and to go to the Olympics (Bulgaria last participated in the Olympic Games in 2012 in London ed.). But we have to earn that on the court with a lot of hard work.

After the title from Belgium and the successful period in Italy, what attracted you to Poland?

The strong league. There is great competition and room for development.

What are the differences between the Italian and Polish championships in terms of playing style and organization?

The Italian league is much more power-based, while the Polish league is more technical.

What did you learn from working with Rado Stoychev and Massimo Botti?

I can't say whether I improved a specific element of my game after working with them. But generally, under their guidance, I developed into who I am now. Step by step, for which I am grateful to them.

To whom do you owe your development as a volleyball player at the beginning of your career?

The first coaches in an athlete's career are very important. For me, it was Vesela Bratoeva at Levski. I even messaged coach Bratoeva a little yesterday, and it really touched me. I thank her for all the effort she put into my initial development as an athlete. Also, there are many volleyball players, more experienced than me, from whom I have gained experience. Boyan Yordanov is one of them, Svetlyo Gotsev, Tsvetan Sokolov – people with a lot of experience. Niki Ivanov too. Last year, I had a conversation with him about the Polish league – how he played there and what he thought. So, it influenced my decision to come to Poland.

Do you want to return to Italy and become a champion there?

If I get the chance – why not. I want to become a champion there too. I want to become a champion everywhere – be it in Italy, Russia, or Turkey. So, it's not just one place. If God grants me health and a long career – all this could happen.

What was the most emotional moment in your career?

I cannot pinpoint one moment. This year is certainly full of emotional moments, but everything is still very fresh. I cannot say if it is more emotional than any other moment in my career... A little time needs to pass for me to process and realize what has happened.

What was the most difficult moment of the season for you, and how did you overcome it?

When I sprained my ankle in the quarter-finals, here again comes the example of collectivism, which I've given several times. Then the other center, who played in my place, came in phenomenally. In the last match against ZAKSA, he made 5 blocks – a fantastic performance. But certainly, more difficult moments than a sprained ankle are always all the holidays you spend away from your family. This is a sacrifice every year that is hard to swallow.

How do you feel the responsibility of constantly being pointed out as an example for young people?

I don't take it as a burden.

You mentioned the final with Lube in Civitanova. We all know that after such a match, emotions are at both poles. Were you still able to see your namesake Alex Nikolov after the end?

We greeted each other, yes – albeit a little later. I think it's normal to have a positive and negative viewpoint immediately after such a match. Someone to be angrier, the other to be happier. In the official part, someone might not have greeted the other. But we greeted each other. We even spent the evening together. The rivalry ends after the final whistle.

Will coming to the national team as a person who won the Polish championship affect your behavior towards your teammates?

I don't think it should have an effect. I don't think there's a reason. I'm not some superhero. I did my job this season. Whatever happened, happened. The fact that I became a champion and am at the top of the blockers in Poland won't mean anything if I change my attitude towards my teammates and don't play strongly in the summer either. On the contrary – that would be a greater loss.

What do you do in your free time?

Something a little more unconventional – this season I went shooting at a firing range a few times. I used it as an outlet. I'm not a person who plays computer games. Mostly, I want to spend every free moment with my loved ones and family. For me, that's the most important thing – family and loved ones. These are the most important moments of life.

When should we expect you?

Probably around the 19th I should start with the national team. I need to undergo all the examinations in Poland – a routine procedure, nothing alarming. When I return to Bulgaria, I will need to see the team's therapists and doctor to discuss things. I just need to prepare the examinations in advance so we don't waste time when I get back.

Are you ready to join the team for the first tournament in Canada?

Yes. I am not one of those people who will choose when to play and when not to. We don't have time to rest, and I cannot not participate in all tournaments. Still, this is a decision of the coaching staff, but I am ready.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov andplusliga.pl