Russian setter Konstantin Abaev, who recently transferred from Italian "Verona" to the Russian powerhouse "Zenit-Kazan," gave a candid interview for the YouTube channel "Fanat Voleybola" (quoted by "BO Sport"), in which he commented on key moments of his career, with a special emphasis on his work with two Bulgarian coaches - Plamen Konstantinov and Radostin Stoychev - as well as on the future of the young Bulgarian setter Simeon Nikolov.
Simeon Nikolov and "Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk)
Abaev revealed that he learned Simeon Nikolov would join "Lokomotiv" even during the "Final Four" of the Italian Cup. The news came from his brother, Alexander Nikolov (a player for "Civitanova"), who began asking Abaev about the conditions in Novosibirsk.
Abaev commented that "Lokomotiv" offers some of the best development conditions in Europe – "super greenhouse conditions," in his words. Seven European clubs vied for Simeon's signature, but only "Loko" was willing to immediately give him the role offirst setter. This was confirmed by head coach Plamen Konstantinov, who added that even "Piacenza" was ready to sign him last season, but only as asecond setter, with a plan for him to become a starter only next season - after a stint behind French star Antoine Brizard.
Abaev believes that Nikolov has enormous potential and compares his style to that of Russian talent Pavel Pankov. According to him, Simeon is physically strong, with an excellent hand and jump, and even had the qualities to play as an opposite hitter. He added that Simeon's father - the legend Vladimir Nikolov - carefully controls the development of his career.
Working with Plamen Konstantinov and a comparison with Radostin Stoychev
Abaev openly compares the two Bulgarian coaches under whom he played. Of Plamen Konstantinov, he says that he gave "95% of what he could" for his development as a player and expresses gratitude for their joint work at "Lokomotiv."
According to him, Konstantinov isflexible, engages in dialogue with players, and is prone to compromise, while Radostin Stoychev at "Verona" was more structured and strict, with little tolerance for improvisation: "With him, you have to follow his tactics. It's not like he fires you if you deviate, but he just replaces you and someone else does the job."
Why he chose "Zenit-Kazan" instead of returning to "Lokomotiv"
Abaev admits that he negotiated with "Lokomotiv," but differences in squad visions led to his choice to move to "Zenit." He states that he prioritizes his progress as a player and believes in coach Alexey Verbov's methods. Nevertheless, he does not rule out a future return to "Loko," hoping one day to bring a trophy to the club as a starting setter - something he did not manage to do in his first spell.
🏐Who is Konstantin Abaev?
Konstantin Abaevis a Russian volleyball player, playing as asetter. Born in 1999, he already has a serious international career behind him. Currently (2025/26 season) he plays for the volleyball grand Zenit Kazan, and before that he has played for some of the leading teams in Russia and Europe.
Zenit Kazan (Russia) current team
Rana Verona (Italy)
Lokomotiv Novosibirsk (Russia)
Stade Poitevin Volley-Beach (France)
Montana Volley (Bulgaria)
Lokomotiv Novosibirsk and "Lokomotiv"-CIVS (Russia)
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WhenKonstantin Abaevcommented on the transfer ofSimeon NikolovtoLokomotiv Novosibirsk, his words carry weight. He doesn't speak as an outside observer, but as someone who:
playedfive seasonsfor Lokomotiv,
knowsthe Russian Super League from the inside,
waspart of the Bulgarian championship (Montana Volley),
and grew up in a strong school, knowing the path a young setter takes.
This turns his opinion into anexpert assessment, and not just in a well-intentioned comment.
