Huge disappointment, problems with service, loss of concentration, and a feeling of accumulated fatigue. These were the main topics in the words of the Bulgarian national players and head coach Gianlorenzo Blengini after the 2:3 (21:25, 21:25, 25:19, 25:23, 15:12) defeat to Germany in the EuroVolley 2026 1/8 finals.
Bulgaria took a 2-0 lead in sets, but the Germans turned the match around and ended the participation of the "tricolors" in the championship in front of a full house in Sofia.
Aleksandar Nikolov was adamant that Germany deserved the victory, and one of the main reasons for the comeback was Bulgaria's many errors.
"We made a terrible number of errors, not just on serve, but in every element. And in the first and second sets, they were almost zero," he stated.
Nikolov also admitted that he personally felt tired, but did not point to it as the main explanation for the defeat.
"I personally got a bit tired. I spike a larger number of balls than the other guys, but I don't even want to comment on that, because I don't think that's the problem. I don't think the fatigue was physical, there was a lack of aggression. We started well and there was a lack of aggression to close out the match," Nikolov said.
In another statement, he admitted that their strength gradually diminished.
"We didn't have enough strength and energy. I felt myself getting heavy. First, I had 5 aces without errors, but after that, I didn't make even one. I can't say the reason. Maybe we got exhausted against Poland."
Simeon Nikolov also spoke about the fatigue and the drop in the team's performance, but admitted that immediately after the match he did not want to make a detailed analysis.
"I am very disappointed. My goal is not to say something I will regret. I think everyone gave what they had. It was clear that the team was more tired," said the setter.
"We ran out of steam. There are matches that you have to play without heart. It's hard for me to talk and I'm disappointed. Our level, game, and spirit dropped," he added.
Captain Alex Grozdanov emphasized Germany's serve after the second set.
"Perhaps after the second set, the serve they put in was great and managed to shake us. From there, other difficulties arose, but that's the main thing," said the middle blocker.
He noted that Bulgaria was well-prepared tactically, but congratulated Germany on how they came back into the match.
"The Germans are a very different team now, they have a new coach. I think we were well-prepared tactically, but something didn't work out in the end. Congratulations to them for being able to endure and come back."
Asparuh Asparuhov also pointed to the serve as one of the main factors for the comeback.
"Our game flow stopped, in my opinion. We couldn't place a good serve at all, and that's where the difference came from. The Germans started risking a lot on serve from the very beginning," said the outside hitter.
He categorically rejected the possibility that Bulgaria had underestimated their opponent or had relaxed after the 2-0 lead.
"I don't think we relaxed or thought anything. It was clear to all of us that the match wouldn't be easy. As you saw, we dominated them quite well in the first two sets. After that, our game just didn't work out, that's it."
Martin Atanasov also spoke about Bulgaria's missed opportunity to finish the match in three sets.
"We are disappointed, we will realize it over time. We missed the chance to win 3-0. There was more tension. We made many mistakes, the Germans started playing well and handled all the balls. They started serving well. Our serve didn't go in," commented the outside hitter.
Gianlorenzo Blengini's analysis was similar. The Italian pointed to the third set as the moment when Germany raised their level and started taking more risks.
"In the third set, our opponent raised their level, took some serious risks – mainly on serve and in attack – and put us under pressure, as they had nothing left to lose. I think we lost a bit mentally there. We lost concentration and quick thinking in some important moments," said the coach.
Blengini refused to make a specific analysis of his own decisions immediately after the match.
"I never do such analyses immediately after the match. Later, with a calm mind, with my staff, we will do a full analysis of the performance of each player and each match. Many useful things can be learned from every loss," he stated.
Along with the disappointment, almost all national team players paid special attention to the audience in Sofia.
"Bulgaria, especially Sofia, was volleyball, breathed volleyball during these two weeks. The hall was non-stop full and the atmosphere was truly unique," said Aleksandar Nikolov.
He also thanked the fans for their reaction immediately after the elimination.
"Even at the end of the match, after such a great disappointment, no one left the hall, they were shouting 'Bulgarians, heroes', which at least helped us a little to overcome this difficult moment."
Simeon Nikolov also admitted that he felt most sorry for the audience.
"I woke up today and didn't expect it to be my last match in Sofia. I feel sorry for the fans, they didn't deserve for us to lose this match in this way."
Alex Grozdanov described the opportunity for the national team to play in front of such an audience again as the biggest positive thing from the tournament.
"The experience it gave us, to play in front of a home crowd with such energy, hasn't happened for years for the national team, so this is the biggest positive thing we managed to extract."
Zhasmin Velichkov also began his words with an address to the fans.
"I just want to thank the Bulgarian audience for their daily support. I can only say a big 'Thank you' to them – they didn't deserve such an end. I want to apologize and I hope we will learn our lessons," he stated to the CEV website.
Velichkov did not wish to talk about the team's next big goal immediately after the defeat.
"Right now we need to focus on how to improve – the future is ahead of us."
Another positive topic in the statements after the end of the championship was the emergence of new young players.
Aleksandar Nikolov specifically pointed out Denislav Bardarov and Zhasmin Velichkov.
"Two new stars have emerged – Bardarov and Zhasmin. These are two additional pieces of this puzzle we are putting together, and I think this is very important in the long run."
Blengini also emphasized the inclusion of new players.
"We managed to add some really important new, young players who will provide depth, make their way, and help with the overall development of this team."
Asparuh Asparuhov, for his part, stressed that the team must continue its development.
"We will try to continue to develop, for the team to grow and to be more and more convincing and consistent. After all, we are doing it for an entire country that we love very much."
After the end, Blengini also summarized his own feelings after the elimination.
"I feel enormous disappointment, mainly because we finished in this way at a European Championship at home, in front of this incredible audience, which gave us such love and such strong support in every match."