Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov have already completed their first training session with Cucine Lube (Civitanova) after Bulgaria's participation in the European Championship ended. The two Bulgarian national players arrived in Italy yesterday, and today they joined the team's practice. For Alex Nikolov, this is a return to a familiar environment, while for his younger brother Moni, it marks the beginning of his first season in the Italian SuperLega. It was precisely the opportunity for the two to now be together in club volleyball that evoked the strongest emotions in Alex after their first training.
"Being able to train with Moni at 'Eurosuole Forum' was wonderful. I feel good, this is my home, and now he is here too. This definitely feels different, there's a change. The morning was emotional, I felt a very positive atmosphere," Alex stated to Lube's club website.
The older of the brothers also commented on the emotional conversations between them, which were often seen during Bulgaria's matches this summer.
"We are like that. When two temperamental people with such a great passion for volleyball play together, it's normal to have face-to-face conversations. We motivate each other. Perhaps you will see similar moments with the red-and-white kit. Every exchange of opinions will be for the good of the team," Nikolov explained.

Alex is already looking beyond the pre-season checks. The most effective volleyball player in the regular season of the SuperLega last campaign does not hide his ambitions for the new season.
"I expect a great year. We have many new teammates with whom we need to get to know each other and build a connection. All of this is stimulating. I know I play in a very strong team and I want to win trophies with the red-and-white kit," Alex Nikolov said. Thus, Lube's preparation is entering its actual phase, as the national players who had commitments with their teams during the summer are gradually joining the squad.

In addition to the two Bulgarians, Canadians Eric Loeppky and Jackson Howe, as well as Antonin Klymenko and Miran Kujundzic, are joining Lube's training sessions. Maxim Tonkonog is already in Civitanova and has been training individually until now. On Thursday, the group is expected to be completed by Italian national players Fabio Balaso and Mattia Bottolo.
As early as Wednesday, Alex and Moni Nikolov could get their first playing minutes after EuroVolley. Lube will hold a joint training session with Yuasa Battery (Grottazzolina). This will be the second pre-season test between the two teams. There is also a change from the initially announced schedule. The test will not take place at "PalaSavelli" in Porto San Giorgio, as previously reported. At the request of Yuasa Battery, the match has been moved to the hall in Grottazzolina. This will be the second pre-season test between the two teams after their meeting in Civitanova last Saturday.
On Sunday, October 4th, Lube's first friendly match in this phase of preparation is scheduled. The opponent at "PalaCarapica" in San Severino Marche will be Cisterna Volley.
Interestingly, Lube fans will be able to see the Nikolov brothers' first training sessions up close. The club will open the sessions to the public on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
For the two Bulgarians, the adaptation period will be short. After the end of EuroVolley, they practically transition directly from the national to the club season, and Lube is already entering the final stage of its preparation. On October 10th and 11th, the team will also participate in the strong pre-season tournament in Jesi, before the start of the new SuperLega season.