The Bulgarian women's national volleyball team officially welcomed its new head coach – Marcello Abbondanza, who returns after 12 years outside Bulgaria with an even clearer vision, more experience, and strong personal motivation to build upon what remained unfinished during his first tenure in the country. His presentation at Press Club "Bulgaria" outlined not just a change in coaching personnel, but the beginning of a long-term project whose ultimate goal is the 2032 Olympic Games.
A return reinforced by respect and ambition
At the very beginning of his address, the Italian emphasized his respect for the BFV and his personal gratitude to Lubo Ganev and the Board of Directors. The decision to accept the offer – in his words – came easily because he was impressed by the project, the development of Bulgarian volleyball in recent years, and the potential of the younger generation.
"The challenge is huge, and that's exactly what stimulates me. The group showed important things as juniors. Now the task is to make a qualitative leap with the women – something very difficult, but extremely motivating," Abbondanza emphasized.
His emotionality and candor showed not just professional interest, but a personal desire to leave a mark.
Experience from abroad: working on three continents and adapting to different cultures
For 12 years, the specialist worked in six different countries on three continents – an experience which, according to him, "changed him as a person and as a coach." The ability to adapt to diverse environments and approaches is something he attaches key importance to.
The last national team he coached – the Greek one – included players between 16 and 21 years old. It is precisely this development process that energizes him: "It's very interesting to observe how young players, when they want to make a leap, grow before your eyes."
Abbondanza sees similar potential in Bulgarian volleyball players and believes that this generation can repeat – and why not even surpass – the path of the 2013 team.
Comparisons with his previous period in Bulgaria: the same challenges, a new approach.
Then, as now, the Italian works in parallel for "Fenerbahçe" and the national team. According to him, the experience from both fronts a decade ago gives him peace of mind that he can handle the workload.
The difference today lies in his maturity and accumulated knowledge. He emphasized that he is older, calmer, and clearer on how to manage the building processes. And Bulgaria attracts him not only professionally but also emotionally: "I see many familiar faces with whom we shared a wonderful journey. I want us to achieve what we couldn't back then."
The way forward: a slow climb, individual work, and realism.
Abbondanza warned that there are no quick solutions. Some of the young players may "excel immediately," but others require time. "First, we need to look each other in the eye, get to know each other, and start working in the hall. Only there can the real leap be made."
His priority is a clear individual program for each player – a process based on daily, consistent work.
Inspiration from the men's national team, but without hasty comparisons.
The specialist highlighted his impression of the men's team's successes, describing what was achieved as "something incredible." But he warned that it is too early and incorrect to compare the two projects: "It's hard to imagine that the women will immediately follow this path, but that should be our motivation."
The staff and the vision: discussions have begun, decisions – not yet.
Abbondanza confirmed that discussions with the federation regarding the coaching staff are ongoing, but specific names and roles have not yet been finalized. The goal is to build a team that will ensure the maximum development of the players.
The position on naturalized players: clear, categorical, reasoned.
Abondanza and BFV agreed: currently, Bulgaria has no financial or structural capacity to attract top-class foreign players to be naturalized.
The reasons:
the requirement for 3–4 years of play in the local championship;
the inability of clubs to offer salaries comparable to Turkey, Italy, or Poland;
FIVB restrictions on changing sports nationality.
The coach was emphatic: attracting quality foreign players should not be a priority. The focus must remain on the development of Bulgarian volleyball players.
International transfers: yes is; no is mediation
Abondanza clearly specified his role: he can recommend Bulgarian players to his colleagues, but he cannot and will not deal with arranging transfers.
"The more of our girls play in Turkey, Italy, Poland, USA
the faster the national team will grow."
This is his philosophy
to open doors, but not to force them open.
Nations League: difficulties today, results years later
Given the youth of the squad, the Nations League will be extremely difficult. But Abondanza pointed out that this competition is indispensable for shaping the future image of the national team.
He emphasized:
"We should not look at the League's standings, but at the ranking after 5 years."
Conclusion: not promises, but a vision; not words, but a project
Marcello Abondanza presented not just a philosophy, but a comprehensive model of work. His return is a combination of experience, confidence, and respect for Bulgarian potential.
The project does not start from scratch, but it will require time. And the goal is clearly outlined:
to build a team capable of bringing Bulgaria back among the strongest and fighting for participation in the Olympic Games in 2032.
Abondanza returned to finish what he started. And this time, it seems, he is even more ready.
