For the first time in their careers, Alex and Simeon Nikolov will be teammates at club level. The younger brother joined Lube (Civitanova), where Alex has already established himself as one of the leading players. On the eve of the new season, the two gave a joint interview for "Gazzetta dello Sport", in which they talk about their relationship, childhood memories, the disappointment of the European Championship and their ambitions in Italy.
Alex admits to journalist Rebecca Saibene that he never expected the two to reunite so soon at one club.
"We dreamed of playing together in the national team, but at club level this was unexpected. Moni can help this team a lot and I hope he shows it."
For Simeon, his older brother's presence in Civitanova turns out to be an important argument when choosing a new team.
"I had thought about it, but I didn't believe it would happen so soon. Knowing that he plays here helped me say 'yes' to Lube. Together we are stronger."
However, the two have different answers to the question of whether the brotherly bond facilitates their relationship on the court.
"It helps more than it hinders. Here it's you and him, you have to help each other not only because you have to, but also because you want to," Alex believes.
Simeon also sees the other side of the situation. "It complicates them. Alex talks to me in a way he wouldn't talk to any other setter in the world, because he knows I'm his brother. Nevertheless, there is a different connection between us - both as players and as people. As a setter, I know exactly what he wants. In that regard, it's an advantage."
Arguments between them are not frequent, but sometimes it's hard to keep them only in the gym. The brothers already live together and try to distinguish professional relationships from family ones. "For me, everything always ends there. He probably experiences it a little longer," Alex jokes.
"Maybe it happened once or twice. Now we also live together, so we try to leave volleyball in the gym, but it's not always easy," Moni admits.
The qualities each would like to possess from the other are also curious.
"I would like to have Moni's carefree nature," Alex replies.
"Alex is a born leader. When something is difficult in life, he is the person you look to and ask what to do. And he always knows," says the younger brother.
This closeness was built in childhood, when the family often changed countries due to their father Vladimir Nikolov's career. The former Bulgarian national player won two championship titles in Italy with Trento and Cuneo, and his sons grew up among different languages and cultures.
"We have always been very close. When we lived abroad, we often didn't speak the language of the other children, and that's why we always valued the connection between us and with the family," Alex says.
"Alex is three years older and has always helped me. Whatever it was about, he was there for me. I'm grateful to have him in my life," Simeon adds.
However, family affection never meant concessions in their competitions.
"As a child, I didn't understand that sometimes I had to let him win. I tried to crush him," Alex recalls.
"It's still like that. Even yesterday at practice we were on different teams and he wanted to win at all costs. He's much more competitive than me," Moni confirms.
Interestingly, the two discovered their love for volleyball in different ways. For Alex, at first the most important thing was to play sports and spend time with other children, regardless of the discipline. Simeon, on the other hand, always wanted to play volleyball, but did not immediately accept the position of setter.
"At first, I didn't like being a setter. Everyone wanted to spike and score points. Then I understood the beauty of my position - the freedom to choose how and where to play."
And which of the two does Vladimir Nikolov resemble more? "I'm like him in character, Moni in appearance," Alex replies. Simeon also sees their father's qualities in his older brother.
"Dad was a leader and has always been a captain. Later, Alex will be one too."
In the interview, the two also look back at the European Championship, where Bulgaria was eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to Germany 2:3 in Sofia.
"It was disappointing to be eliminated in the round of 16 against Germany. We knew we could go far. But I'm grateful that I played in front of our home crowd," says Alex. For Moni, the defeat turned out to be particularly painful. "I couldn't sleep for several nights. Over the summer, I grew, played tough matches, and coach Kiko Blengini helped me. Now I want to apply everything I've learned at Lube."
After his stay in Russia, Simeon faces his first challenge in the Italian SuperLega.
"This is my first season in the Italian championship and it will be tough, but right now I feel in the best shape of my career."
Alex now sees himself differently compared to his first years in professional volleyball.
"For me, the first chapter is over - the one where you tell yourself: 'I'm young, I need to learn.' Now I want big victories and titles. In my opinion, it's time."
When asked which qualities of other SuperLega players they would like to possess, Alex points to Luke Perry's defense and reception, as well as Jackson Howe's block, which he describes as incredible.
Simeon's choice is clear - Simone Giannelli. "No need to explain how strong he is. He possesses everything I want to have. Everything."
At the end of the conversation, the brothers also formulate their expectations for the upcoming campaign.
"A season in which we are among the main protagonists," Alex wishes.
"Good victories, but also losses from which we can benefit. I hope we have the opportunity to win a trophy. This is an important year for Lube," Simeon concludes.
Already on Saturday, October 10, Lube will face Japan's Suntory Sunbirds Osaka in the Jesi Volley Cup tournament, and on October 18, they will begin their participation in the Italian SuperLega with an away match against Verona.