The Bulgarian women's national volleyball team returned from the World Championship in Thailand after three losses and no wins, which placed our volleyball players in 27th place in the final standings. Upon their arrival at Sofia Airport, head coach Antonina Zetova and captain Hristina Vuchkova spoke to bTV, sharing their difficult emotions from the tournament and sending messages for the future of the team.
Zetova: "Sometimes you need luck, which we didn't have"
The coach highlighted the first match against Canada as key to the entire tournament:
"I think we prepared very well for this match, we wanted it very much and naturally the result subsequently brought a lot of disappointment. The emotions are still very strong, because all of us dreamed of achieving our goal and that was to advance in the group. Our group was one of the most difficult, to be honest. It was us, Canada, Turkey and Spain. There were groups that were much, much easier, but that's the draw. That's life. Sometimes you need a little luck, which we didn't have in that match."
The lineup error a turning point
"We messed up the lineup in the second game. A wrong lineup was recorded on the tablet, which swapped the places of theters and centers, and from there chaos ensued, which I think we could have managed a little more calmly.
This lineup error is our fault - the staff's, but such things are part of sports. It was just very bad luck. Yes, it certainly affected all the girls.
The emotions are incredibly strong, understand, because my assistant coach, who de facto writes the lineup, he cried after the match. I mean, we all suffered terribly from this, which no one did on purpose, no one did it because they were sleeping or because they weren't watching. We worked a lot, but such mistakes happen," said Antonina Zetova.
Hint of resignation
After the strong emotional outburst, the coach added that after some time passes, she will have to make decisions for herself. These words sounded likea hint of resignation, which opens the question of her future at the helm of the team.
Vuchkova: "Our capabilities are limited"
Captain Hristina Vuchkova also spoke realistically to bTV:
"Our capabilities are limited, that's what I'm saying. I personally define things that way. The level is such. We are simply not at the level of these teams. For now."
Bulgaria finished the World Championship in Thailand with a disappointing balance - three losses, no wins, and 27th place. The blame is sought in a combination of a tough draw, psychological pressure, and an organizational error. Zetova did not hide the pain, but also left the door open for changes in the coaching position, while Vuchkova realistically emphasized the difference in class with the opponents.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov and BFV
