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Alex Grozdanov to volleyweek.bg: We failed to mentally prepare enough for this match. We are looking towards the World Championship.

Николай Варадинов

Николай Варадинов

July 20, 2025 at 20:28

Alex Grozdanov to volleyweek.bg: We failed to mentally prepare enough for this match. We are looking towards the World Championship.


Two wins and two losses - this is objectively a good assessment of our performance. Of course, the victory over Poland will remain in our minds - it was something special. But unfortunately, against Iran, we couldn't mentally prepare as we should have. Perhaps because we are a young team, we couldn't withstand the pressure. We approached the match seriously, just like any other, but the pressure - especially the fact that our qualification for the finals in China depended on the result - simply became too much for us.

We need to realize this and draw the necessary conclusions so that such moments do not repeat. A training camp and preparation for the World Championship are ahead. Time during which we can 'collect our thoughts' and move forward.

I wouldn't want to single anyone out specifically. However, our second libero showed tremendous defensive skills. The whole team contributed - everyone had strong and weak moments, including me. This is a team sport, and we must look at the overall picture. And that is, there is growth compared to last year.

Regarding the future - this tournament may have given some of my teammates a chance to stay in Poland. There's talk that Marti Atanasov might join us in Bogdanka, but I don't have confirmed information. I hope it happens - it would be a good addition.