I don't regret being off the court most of the time. On the contrary, I'm very happy that Stoil Palev got a chance to play and prove himself. He gives his all in training and I'm really happy for him.
It was very emotional at the end. There was also anger, because we missed the opportunity to close the match with a 3:1 score and take the full points. But to beat Poland, in Poland, something that hadn't happened since 2013... That's special. This hall is clearly ours against them. 12 years is a long time. I'm glad that everything we're building with the coaches and the team is starting to yield results.
I'm glad I managed to help the team at the most crucial moment. I didn't play the fourth set in the best way, but we managed to win, and that's the most important thing. It was the same against Cuba – we were leading 2:1 and had a match point, and then we lost 2:3. Thank God, everything worked out now.
My brother is a phenomenon. I usually don't praise him, especially not in front of him, but today he really deserved the win. Of course, it wasn't just him, but he holds the team together, he leads it. He really deserved the win – as did all of us.
We heard they said our father was less talented than Alex and I. However, he achieved everything with a lot of hard work. So, if we are indeed a little more talented than him – that's a bonus, but also a responsibility. It makes us work even harder.
Physically… I wish I were completely healthy and could show what I'm capable of. Three weeks ago, when I got the injury, I didn't even imagine I'd be here. I still don't feel great, but I won't be pessimistic – I'm here, I'm playing, and I'll give what I can for the team.
Yes, we are one step away from the finals, but we Bulgarians don't like to say 'hop' before we've jumped.
Tomorrow's match is one of those that build players, competitors, character. In such matches, you throw everything – all the hard work, your whole life, the training... however exaggerated it may sound for a VNL match. If Bulgaria reaches the finals of this tournament – that will be a huge success. We will give everything. We hope for a victory.
World ranking points are also important. And what would I change? That's the coaches' job. Whatever they say, we will do. Whoever starts will give their best.
