Former national team setter Andrey Zhekov has concluded his season as a youth coach at"Levski Sofia"and will join the staff of"Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk)alongside Plamen Konstantinov in the autumn. Young setterSimeon Nikolovwill also be part of the squad and will play a key role in the Russian club's new project.
Assessment of his time at "Levski"
Speaking to "Levski's" club website, Zhekov admitted that he initially had doubts about whether he would cope with working with the youngest players, but at the end of the season, he described the period as "extremely fruitful":
"Not only technically, but also humanly. I wanted to show them not only volleyball as I see it, but also to educate them to be good people - modest, respectful, and goal-oriented. I am sure they have a great future, and I will be one of their biggest fans."
The coach worked with a mixed group of athletes born between 2006 and 2009 and emphasized that this period was as important for him personally as it was professionally.
The change in the club
For Zhekov, this was hissecond stint at "Levski Sofia"after previously being part of the men's team years ago - first as an assistant and later as head coach.
"Now I've seen how the club's trophy cabinet has filled up, and the men's championship titles prove the good work. I also see potential in the women's department. I'm glad that the management relies on young players - this is a global trend."
Zhekov also noted the significant change in the club's marketing and promotion, as well as the good training conditions, which remain constant.
Memories and future hopes
Among the most vivid moments for the specialist remains the championship title with the juniors in the year of Covid, when his team triumphed in Burgas. Today, many of those players are already in the national team.
"To the boys I worked with last season, I wish them good health and a successful transition to men's volleyball. I hope to see them in the national team."]}
New challenge in Russia
In the 2025/2026 season Zhekον will work again in"Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk), where he already has a bronze medal from his stay in 2022/23.
"I expect fruitful cooperation with Plamen Konstantinov and the staff. The main change is the setter - Simeon Nikolov. There will be a period of adaptation, but I believe that the solid foundation in the team will help him. The Russian Cup is a trophy to defend, but the priority remains a good performance in the championship."
Gratitude and wishes
At the end of his stay in "Levski Sofia" Zhekον thanked the club:
"I want to thank everyone and wish them to continue writing the volleyball history of the future."
For its part, the capital club expressed gratitude for the work done and wished him success in his next challenges.
