In her captain's statement to the BFV website, Hristina Vuchkova emphasizes that the women's national team is entering the final phase of preparation for the World Championship. The team has gone through a difficult but useful campaign in the Nations League, where weaknesses were analyzed to be eliminated before the big forum.
Preparation and conclusions from the VNL
Vuchkova is frank that the performance in the Volleyball Nations League could have been better. She admits that the new squad is still getting to know each other, as the players are from different generations and four months for team cohesion are not enough:
"Still, we are a new team. I can speak for myself that I haven't played with half of the girls. This is a very long process. Four months are not enough to find the rhythm of the game."
The captain points out that there were matches where victory was lost due to a lack of synchronization and precision in executing the instructions of coach Antonina Zetova.
The duel with Canada - the key to advancement
The upcoming match with Canada at the World Championship in Thailand is defined as the most important for their chances of qualifying:
"Perhaps this is our main opponent that we must defeat to advance. We are already preparing for Canada. Toni (editor's note: the head coach) has analyzed the team very seriously. I hope we succeed in accomplishing everything she has set for us from this preparation until the match."
According to Vuchkova, the team is better prepared compared to the first match with Canada in the VNL, where tension and the home factor had an impact (editor's note: Bulgaria lost that match 2:3). Now, expectations are for Bulgaria to show a calmer and more decisive game.
Ambitions for the World Championship
Hristina Vuchkova does not want to make loud predictions, but the goal is clear - victories over Canada and Spain and the best possible performance against the other opponents:
"Toni has set us a goal. We must defeat Canada and Spain and get the maximum from all other matches."
New club challenge - Russia
After the championship, the captain will start a new stage in her career - for the first time she will play in Russia. The decision is motivated by the desire for variety and challenge:
"I have played in Turkey for many years, I have also played in Italy and I wanted something different. My teammates have always told me that Russia has a very good, interesting and strong championship. I want a challenge, I want to see how I will cope."
The interview reveals a frank and focused leader - Hristina Vuchkova. The captain clearly emphasizes that the national team is in a building process, but is determined to fight for advancement. The strong focus on the match with Canada and the optimism for the growth of the young players outline a positive direction for the future.
