As the start of the 2025/2026 PlusLiga volleyball season approaches, the atmosphere in Poland is heating up. In the latest edition of the show "Magazyn PlusLigi," hosts Joanna Kaczor-Bednarska and Wojciech Żaliński turn the spotlight on the upcoming season and the intrigues already forming before the first serve. Their guest is Alex Grozdanov, the Bulgarian middle blocker for Bogdanka LUK Lublin.

– Let's talk a bit about the Bulgarian national team. What has changed since Gianlorenzo Blengini became head coach?

Oh, a lot has changed. We also changed our training and preparation base – now the standard of the hotel, the hall, everything is perfect. This provides great opportunities to work better.
And with the coach – of course, he is top-tier. He coached Italy for years. He changed a lot, including the mentality, especially of the young players – how we should approach matches, different situations during the game. I can say he also changed the playing style. Before, it was just "strong and strong." Now we try to save difficult balls, to renew the attack, to play again. We completely changed the team's image.

– I want to ask you something comparing the national team and your club team in Lublin. Both have two great players – Alex Nikolov and Wilfredo Leon. What is their role in the teams?

Wilfredo is incredible. On and off the court, he helps immensely – mentally, with guidance. And on the court, we all trust him in difficult moments.
And with Alex, it's the same, difficult balls go to him. He finishes matches with 40-60 attacks. There's something in common – trust in difficult situations. It's great to have such a person by your side. Wilfredo is more experienced, one of my favorite volleyball players, and I'm happy he's on our team in Lublin.

– Bulgaria's coach says you are the second youngest team out of all 32 at the World Championship. Where do you see opportunities for development?

Our average age is 22 years. The potential is huge. We have a third middle blocker, a second libero, and a few other guys who were even reserves in the Bulgarian league. Blengini found them, gave them a chance, and in difficult moments they came in and performed excellently. I can't imagine how we'll look in a year or two when all these guys gain playing time in stronger clubs. For example, our young blocker is now in the second division in Italy – I expect him to return next year with much more experience (referring to Preslav Petkov, editor's note).

– When did you start believing that a medal for Bulgaria was a realistic goal at the World Championship?

From the very beginning, we believed in ourselves, but without setting a specific goal or pressure. We just went step by step, match by match. Of course, we all wanted a final, but the fact that we concentrated on each subsequent game helped us immensely.

– How do you feel returning to the club with a silver medal, while your teammates have bronze? Do you joke about that?

Honestly, we didn't have time for jokes. I've been here for four days, Sasak too, Wilfredo arrived a little before the Lublin cup matches, Komenda too. But I feel good – more confident after such success. The atmosphere in the team is great.

– How would you describe your new team in Lublin after the changes and transfers?

I saw a great atmosphere – in the locker room and on the court. In the first two matches, we fought until the last point, which is a big weapon for the entire season. The team is young, but I feel good and believe we will fight for top places this year too.

– Last season you became champions. Now everyone will want to beat the champion. How do you view that?

Yes, that's something we should expect. It will be tough – every match in Poland is high-level. But this is a new chance to show how good we can be.

– Are you excited about the Champions League?

Very much! It's an opportunity to face the best teams in Europe – from Italy, Turkey... Playing against the stars of these clubs is incredible. I hope we enjoy every minute and fight hard.

– You're going into the Polish Super Cup with victory in mind, right?

Of course. We all have the 'go there to win' mentality. There will be tough moments, but the most important thing is to maintain our work ethic and mindset – to fight in every training session and become better.

– Do you have an advantage against Jastrzębski after the last friendly match?

I wouldn't say so. They are a great team, every match is different. I'm sorry their libero got injured, I hope he recovers quickly (Maksymilian Granieczny was injured during the match between Jastrzębski Węgiel and Bogdanka LUK Lublin as part of the Bogdanka Volley Cup and will be out for at least 8 weeks - editor's note). They will be prepared, and so will we.

– Do you follow the transfers in PlusLiga and which teams do you consider the most dangerous competitors?

I follow a bit, not everything. But the top four teams from last season still have very strong rosters. And in Poland, every match can bring a surprise. You can't play at 60% – you always have to give your all.

– Last season you were the best middle blocker. Do you have the same goal now?

Honestly, I don't follow the statistics. But, yes, it would be great to be among the best again. However, that is the result of collective work – tactics, synchronization, understanding. It's not just one person's credit, but the entire team's.

– Do you have personal goals for the new season?

Yes, I want to improve every part of my game. Especially my serve – I believe I can do more. After the summer finger injury, I lost a bit of control and power, but I'll fix it. In attack, I also want even one more successful ball per match – that's a step forward.

– A more difficult question: the case with Mikołaj Sawicki – do you still talk about it?

No, it doesn't worry me, but it's a bad situation. I'm not well-informed and don't want to talk at length. For me, he remains part of the team, and I hope he doesn't receive a severe penalty. He's a great player and a good person, I believe it's a misunderstanding, and he will soon return to us.

– And who is Alex Grozdanov in the locker room? Cheerful, serious, DJ?

Tough question! I'm definitely not a DJ (laughs). I hope I'm fun and bring a good mood, but you'll have to ask my teammates – they'll tell you better.

– And finally – which brothers are better, Enno or Nikolovi?

(Laughs) Of course, I'll support our boys – the Nikolovi! We spend more time together in the summer than with our own families. So I'm betting on them!

photo: Nikolay Varadinov