Georgi Tatarov and the rest of the Bulgarian national team are in the final part of their preparation for the European Championship, where the "Lions" will have the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd.
"I feel very good. We've been training for quite some time now, we've been together all summer. I think the preparation is going very well so far. I hope we continue in the same spirit and arrive prepared for the European Championship," Tatarov said.
Behind Bulgaria is already the first big test of the summer – the Nations League, in which the team achieved seven victories and came close to qualifying for the final eight.
"For me, it's a success that every year we improve our performance in the Nations League. More in-depth analyses were done, and it was clear that we are very close. Even in some elements, we are better than the teams that played in the final eight. I believe we will be there consistently soon."
Now, all eyes are on EuroVolley and the matches in Sofia.
"When the European Championship is in Bulgaria, the feeling is different. We know very well the euphoria among the people who can't wait to see us. The Nations League is now more in the background. We analyze the matches from there to improve some elements and perform even better."
The format of the championship saves the national team some of the difficulties they face, for example, during the Nations League.
"There will be no heavy travel and time differences, which also greatly affect performance. Currently, the training sessions are a bit tougher, but I assume that as the tournament approaches, the load will be reduced so that we can get into shape."
The work in the remaining time until the first match is also focused on specific components of the game.
"We were good in side-out, but not so good in counter-attack, and that's what we're working on right now. We also need to reduce service errors a bit. That's why we're here – to prepare and clear everything up by the end of the preparation."
The long summer also means months spent almost continuously together. However, the national team players have obviously found their way to combine work and life outside the hall.
For Tatarov, the balance between strict regimen and moments when players can detach from volleyball is important.
"There are always temptations, but I believe we can find the balance. When we are at camp, everyone is extremely motivated and disciplined – resting and training. When we have a break, of course, we can go out and relax. The most important thing is to have a balance between the two and not forget why we are here and what our goal is."
The increasingly serious Bulgarian presence in Italian club volleyball allows some of the national team players to maintain close contact during the season.
"Every year there are more and more of us guys playing in Italy. Last year I lived quite close to Alex (Nikolov, editor's note) and we saw each other very often. There are also many of our guys in A2, which is very good."
The close relationships between the players do not eliminate the battle for a place in the squad. However, Tatarov sees precisely in it one of the drivers for the team's development.
"Competition is a very important component of any sport. It makes you push yourself all the time, not to relax and to fight for your place. Competition breeds quality."
And when it's time for official matches, personal ambitions give way to the common goal.
"This is a team sport, and especially when you play for the national team, it's even more different. Then individual goals are disregarded, and everything comes down to the team performing as well as possible. All the guys want to help their teammates and the team as much as possible to achieve the best possible result."
Finally, Tatarov also addressed the people who will fill the stands for Bulgaria's matches.
"To believe in us. Even if things aren't going very well, not to give up on us. To have fun and have a good time."