BOGDANKA LUK Lublin's middle blocker and captain of the Bulgarian team spoke ahead of the upcoming 2025 World Championship, which will begin in the Philippines in mid-September. In an exclusive interview for the editorial board ofplusliga.plhe talked about the last few months of work with the national team, plans for the club season, and his club's debut in the Champions League.

The Bulgarian team is getting stronger

The Bulgarian national team has not been among the world's leaders in recent years, but the latest edition of the Nations League was a big step forward. Under the leadership of captain Alex Grozdanov, the team was very close to the final eight. In the end, they finished in 10th place with 6 wins and 6 losses.

"We certainly took a big step forward this season. In previous years, even last season, we had a maximum of 2–3 wins, and it was a tough time, but this time we were really close. We were just one more win short of entering the final tournament in China," summarized the national team's middle blocker.

Especially exciting for him was the match against Poland in the ERGO Arena in Gdansk during the last VNL tournament. Bulgaria won 3:2.
"The match against Poland in Gdansk was an incredible experience and a very exciting game. The atmosphere in the hall was great – full stands, excellent organization, and our victory after great emotions. I really liked that match," Grozdanov recounted with enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, a day later, the loss to Iran ended Bulgaria's chances of playing in the finals. "We probably didn't manage to rest enough – physically and mentally – for the last decisive match. That was a key moment, and because of that, we couldn't reach the finals in Ningbo," the captain admitted.

At the World Championship in the Philippines, Bulgaria will be in Group E along with Germany, Slovenia, and Chile – all familiar opponents from European tournaments. This is one of the stronger groups.
"I think we have a serious and contested fight ahead of us. We have been developing as a team for several years now, especially in the last two seasons, so I believe we can play strong against these teams," Grozdanov assessed the chances.

And added: "In sports, there are never two identical matches, so we need to be very well prepared for every opponent and give our best. For me, this will be a really interesting group where we will have to fight hard to advance."

Asked about the favorites for the World Championship, the captain pointed to the leading teams in the FIVB rankings but did not hide the Bulgarians' ambitions:
"Everyone knows the potential of the top 5–6 teams in the world and how they play at a top level almost always. I sincerely hope that in the future, Bulgaria will be among the top 4–6 teams in the world. That's why we work so hard and work all summer," the middle blocker said with hope.

New club season – new challenges

Grozdanov also faces a very busy club season. His BOGDANKA LUK Lublin, where he will continue to play, will participate in the Champions League for the first time.
"Of course, it will be incredible. For me, this will be my second or third participation in the Champions League, so I am very motivated and happy that this tournament will also be in Lublin this season," he admitted.

Lublin enters PlusLiga as the champion of Poland, which will make every opponent want to beat them.
"As for the level of competition – I don't think it will change. Last season I saw that in Poland, everyone gives 100% in every match, regardless of their position in the table or the squad. That's really great. So I don't expect a change in either the level or the strength of the opponents," the Bulgarian added.

The team's new coach is Stephane Antiga, who led KS DevelopRes Rzeszów to their first TAURON League title last season.
"Antiga is a big figure in world volleyball. I'm happy that I'll have the opportunity to work with him. It will be a great experience and motivation to develop and learn many new things," Grozdanov said with a smile.

Team play - the key to success

Last season, Grozdanov was one of the best blockers in PlusLiga, falling just one point behind Norbert Huber. Despite the success, he doesn't see statistics as an end in themselves:
"It was definitely a positive bonus to my successful season, because blocking is very important for a middle blocker. But for me, the most important thing is how I can help the team and what I can do to win as a team. Everything else is secondary," the volleyball player modestly stated.

The secret to an effective block? Teamwork and opponent analysis.
"My achievements in blocking are also the result of teamwork. We worked a lot with the coach and staff, preparing for specific teams and players. I received great support from my teammates, especially from Wilfredo Leon, who has immense experience. He helped me a lot with his advice on how to act on the block," Grozdanov recounted, speaking of his teammate only in superlatives.

The life of an athlete without a break

Bulgaria's middle blocker joined the national team almost immediately after the end of the club season.
"After the Polish championship matches, I didn't have much time - about 5-6 days, of which I spent 3-4 in Lublin to prepare to return home. I was with my family for only two days, after which preparations for the VNL began," he said.

And added:
"I didn't have enough time to rest, but as athletes at this level, we have to be able to rest and organize our personal lives. I don't want to dramatize - I think this is already normal."

For him, the captain's armband is a special responsibility:
"First and foremost, it's a source of pride. As a child, my biggest dream was to play for Bulgaria, but I never imagined I would become captain. That's why I take this role very seriously," Alex Grozdanov concluded the conversation.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov andplusliga.pl