Tomorrow (October 17) at 4:30 PM, champions Levski and Lokomotiv Avia will open the tournament for the Winbet Bulgarian Supercup in the Levski Sofia hall. The two teams enter the semi-final with significantly changed rosters, and coaches Nikolay Zhelyazkov and Nayden Naydenov admitted that more time will be needed to achieve optimal synchronization.
Lokomotiv Avia coach Nayden Naydenov described the Plovdiv team as 80% new, but expressed satisfaction with its development during preparation.
"Tomorrow we will see how ready Lokomotiv is. We have many new additions. It will take more time until we are in a hundred percent good condition, but even for now, we are developing well," said Naydenov.
The specialist also commented on the condition of Rozalin Penchev, who is returning after a year and a half off the court, as well as the adaptation of the Brazilian Brian Bol.
"Rozalin has started to get into a good rhythm. He will certainly need a little more time, but I think he will be useful. The Brazilian is not yet fully ready. He is a young boy, he gets nervous at times. I hope he shows his qualities," explained the coach.

Among the new names in Lokomotiv are also setter Dobromir Dimitrov, Todor Dimitrov, and Martin Mechkarov. Naydenov confirmed that Kurtev will also participate in the matches while he is part of the squad.
"This year is a new beginning. We start with new ambitions, with motivation to play and win what we can," he added.
The captain of the Plovdiv team, Martin Ivanov, emphasized the need to build a team despite the numerous changes.
"We have an extremely combat-ready and experienced team. The point is that we have changed the backbone in most positions. The most important thing for me is to build the team spirit that Lokomotiv demonstrated in the previous two seasons, because that is something that gives wings," said the libero.
In the Levski camp, they also note the serious renewal of the squad. Nikolay Zhelyazkov pointed out that only three of last season's starters remained - Gordan Lyutskanov, Todor Skrimov, and Lazar Buchkov.
"Every competition is different, every season is different, the team is different. We are certainly in better condition than two weeks ago. I hope to see a better level not only from us but also from the other teams," commented Zhelyazkov.

The champions' coach also focused on one of the most interesting changes in the squad - the retraining of Dimitar Peychinov from diagonal to middle blocker.
"Time will tell whether the decision to change Dimitar Peychinov's position was correct or not. Things are improving with the new setter as well," explained the specialist.
Zhelyazkov emphasized that besides the result, he will primarily monitor the players' attitude towards the match.
"Victory is the most important thing in any final tournament. But for me, the most important thing will be self-sacrifice. If we play and give our all, I will be satisfied," said the coach.
Receiver Gordan Lyutskanov expressed confidence after the long preparation and strong control matches.
"We had a very long and high-quality preparation. We played good control matches with good teams, I think we are ready. The team looks better and better. For me, it doesn't matter who is MVP, because we are a team and as long as we win, that's enough happiness," said Lyutskanov.
The winner of the Levski - Lokomotiv Avia match will qualify for Sunday's final, where they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between CSKA and Neftochimic 2010.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov