After the epic campaign at the U19 Volleyball World Championship in Uzbekistan, the Bulgarian national team returned home, having finished in a respectable sixth place. The team's performance was marked by courage, maturity, and a bit of sporting bad luck. This was clearly evident in the words of head coach Miroslav Zhivkov and captain Zhasmin Velichkov, who spoke to BNT upon their arrival in Sofia.

🗣️ Miroslav Zhivkov: "From boys to men!"

"From being boys, they showed within one World Championship that they can be true men."
- Miroslav Zhivkov, Head Coach of Bulgaria U19

The national team's coach did not hide his satisfaction with the spirit and fighting qualities of his players. Bulgaria finished first in an extremely tough group, defeating teams like China, Japan, Canada, reigning champions France, and Algeria.

"We should be happy with what we accomplished. We defeated exceptional volleyball powers."

However, Zhivkov did not overlook the difficulties – the loss of a key player just before the quarterfinal against Spain and insufficient depth of experience in the squad:

"Not all substitutions were equal – not in terms of quality and skill, but in terms of game experience at such a level."

🎙️ Zhasmin Velichkov: "We had a chance for a medal, but we relaxed"

CaptainZhasmin Velichkovspoke frankly about the team's emotional and psychological state, especially in the crucial quarterfinal:

"After leading 2-0, maybe we relaxed. We mentally calmed down, thinking we had already won."

The team's young leader believes that a medal was a realistic goal, not a dream:

"In my opinion, we had an absolutely realistic chance for a medal."

Velichkov now faces a new challenge – participation in the U21 World Championship, with him himself pointing out the need for psychological and physical recharging.

Although Bulgaria did not reach the semifinals, sixth place globally and victories over leading nations prove that this age group has enormous potential. The statement made by Zhivkov's players is not only sporting but also cultural – a team with heart, mind, and character.

photos: BNT screenshot