The head coach of the men's national U21 team, Vetsislav Simeonov, gave an extensive interview for the official website of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, in which he outlined the most important points before the start of the World Championship.
Preparation and team spirit
Simeonov emphasized that the team spent almost three months in intense and full preparation:
“We did a tremendous amount of work. The boys are physically, tactically, and emotionally ready. We have a very cohesive team, and for me as a coach, this summer was a real satisfaction.”
He also recalled the tense qualification that Bulgaria played at home and praised the squad for their character and discipline.
Expectations for the World Championship
The coach stated that the only thing he wishes on the eve of the tournament is for the players to be healthy, because:
“I am sure they will give even 101% of their capabilities. They are very motivated and cohesive – this is a key prerequisite for a good performance.”
About the opponents and scouting difficulties
Simeonov admitted that the biggest problem in youth volleyball is the lack of information about opponents:
“With the exception of Brazil, with whom we played control matches, and France and Czech Republic from the qualification, we have no data for the others. Our first opponent doesn't even have a statistician.”
➡️Editor's note: The coach most likely means the Cuban squad.
📌Conclusion: Bulgaria U21 enters the World Championship after stable preparation, with a strong collective spirit and faith in its own qualities, despite the unknowns surrounding some of the opponents.
Bulgaria's program in the group stage (Jiangmen, China)
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| August 21 | Bulgaria A Cuba | 06:00 |
| August 22 | Bulgaria A Japan | 06:00 |
| August 23 | Bulgaria A Colombia | 06:00 |
| August 25 | Bulgaria A Czech Republic | 06:00 |
| August 26 | Bulgaria A Brazil | 09:00 |
The schedule tests our team from the very first day against Cuba
A
a traditionally inconvenient opponent with a strong physical game. The series of three consecutive matches within three days (Cuba, Japan, Colombia) will be a test of endurance and concentration. However, the toughest challenge will be against the favorite Brazil, and the match is at a different starting time
A
09:00, which will require adaptation in the training rhythm.
