The publication of the symbolic team of the 8th round on the official Telegram channel of the Russian Superleague caused not just a discussion, but a real avalanche of dissatisfaction. The reason the absence of Simeon Nikolov, Lokomotiv Novosibirsk's setter, who was chosen as MVP of the round by the authoritative BO Sport and as No. 1 in the Lokomotiv Zenit Kazan derby.

While the federation gives no explanation, the comments under the post speak clearly enough.

Fans: "Monya!" Nikolov's absence is the first thing they notice.

The initial reactions are short, but impactful:

• "Monya!"

• "Marchenko is unnecessary"

• "Why Marchenko? Damn, for what... Deru, Tetyukhin, Kurbanov are more deserving."

• "Nikolov deserved to be in the team of the round. And Deru with Kurbanov."

For many fans, the absence of Lokomotiv's setter is completely incomprehensible.

The setter debate: why is Kostadinov in, and Nikolov not?

At the center of the discussion is the decision that Slavi Kostadinov, instead of Nikolov, should be in the team for the setter position.

Fans highlight two key arguments:

1) Against Zenit Kazan, Nikolov was the decisive factor.

The comments emphasize that Lokomotiv faced the best block in the league Kazan. And despite that:

• Nikolov organized the attack effectively, even in difficult situations.

• It is noted that by total points scored, he is the highest-scoring setter of the entire round.

• His play in the derby was described as "key to victory".

2) Kostadinov's performance a result of an easier opponent.

Fans point to statistics from Gazprom-Yugra's match against Zenit and compare the level of defense and the pressure under which the teams play.
The conclusion is unequivocal:

Put Kostadinov against Kazan and he won't look so good.

The second harsh line of criticism is directed at the inclusion of Andrey Marchenko:

• Marchenko, who knows what he's doing on this list.

• Deru, Tetyukhin, Kurbanov are more deserving.

Fan skepticism even reaches outright sarcasm:

• Maybe this is a showcase for sale?
  
  

Lokomotiv still has a representative... but not the one they expected

Despite the absence of their leading setter, Lokomotiv Novosibirsk is still present in the ideal seven through captain Ilyas Kurkaev, who was chosen as a middle blocker.

In addition, two players who came through Loko's academy – the Kostadinov brothers, who have a Bulgarian father and a Russian mother – also made it into the symbolic team.

But this, of course, does not appease the fans, because Lokomotiv's strongest player in this round remains outside the ranking.

Sarcastic ending: when the selection becomes a 'showcase'

Comments under the post conclude with that type of dry humor that says more than any statistics:

• Maybe this is a showcase for sale?
  
  

  
  

If the symbolic team is supposed to represent the best of the round, then this time the symbolism is... strange.
The MVP of the round watches from the sidelines, fans are displeased, and the 'expert council' remains majestically silent.

In other words – a classic of the genre.