Interest in the men's national volleyball team is at an all-time high. For the first time, a Bulgaria match was broadcast simultaneously on four TV channels – a phenomenon that speaks to the team's new status, its new energy, and the changing attitude towards the sport. The President of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, Lyubomir Ganev, spoke frankly to the "VolleyCast" podcast about the reasons for the rise, the problems with the women's national team, the model that works, the relationships within the staff, and the path to the Olympic Games.
The television precedent and the "four TV channels" phenomenon
"This has never happened in Bulgarian sports – one match being broadcast simultaneously on four TV channels," says Ganev. He describes the situation as a "unique precedent," possible only due to the record interest in the national team.
According to him, this is "an indicator of the current status of volleyball – a sport that unites, attracts, and creates an atmosphere that others envy."
This interest also has a direct impact on the organizational decisions surrounding the European Championship. That is why the initially planned matches in Varna were moved to Sofia – to meet the enormous demand.
The European Championship in Sofia – 52,500 additional spectators and an expected full arena
According to Ganev, the change of host city has led to a significant capacity effect:
"Moving to Sofia means 52,500 more spectators. That's the difference between Varna and 'Arena Sofia' for the entire tournament."
The Federation expects full stands for all of Bulgaria's matches. Some tickets are already sold out, and an additional inspection is being carried out, which could free up another 150–200 seats after adjustments to camera positions and media zones.
"One of our causes is for people not to be disappointed when they come for the first time. That's why I'm uncompromising about the details," Ganev emphasizes.
TV Rights – Why They Are Not in the Federation's Hands
Ganev emphatically clarifies one of the most frequently misunderstood issues:
"The rights for major tournaments do not belong to our federation. They are the property of CEV and FIVB. We cannot grant them to a specific TV channel."
The TV channel that acquires them undertakes to filmall matches, and not just those of Bulgaria. According to him, the extensive equipment and costs are precisely why BNT (Bulgarian National Television) rarely participates in such tenders.
For the broadcasts of the most important matches, he gives due credit:
"Max Sport made a gesture for Bulgaria. They had the right to keep the matches exclusively for themselves but allowed them to be broadcast on other TV channels as well."
The New Head Coach of the Women's National Team – Why the Choice Was Not Easy
Following Toni Zetova's resignation, there are three candidates: Ivan Petkov, Radostin Asanov, and Marcello Abbondanza. The selection has been postponed to allow Abbondanza to present his vision.
All three had very similar-sounding ideas. But we decided to implement the model that works – the same one we used for the men. We have golden generations among the girls, European and world champions. They need to be integrated early," explains Ganev.
But he is also adamant about the big problem that has held back the women's team:
"Among the women, discipline was lacking. Some girls refused to participate via email. There's no way to build something on such relationships."
Abondanza set the condition, and the federation supported it:
"Whoever refuses the national team – does not return."
Why the men's team broke through, but the women's team – not yet
According to Ganev, the key lies in the work culture:
"The men battle it out every day in the gym. They fall, they get up, they keep going. Among the women, the atmosphere is often not like that."
He adds that the men's team achieved success thanks to a "two-year plan," "iron discipline," and "lack of compromises."
The preparation in the "Sameleon" hall was completely isolated – without media, without external pressure.
"They became a family there. The character of this team was decided there."
The "Blengini" Model – a Quiet Revolution
The Italian Gianlorenzo Blengini brings a European coaching school and methodology that Ganev highly values:
"He works calmly, but he is uncompromising. The boys trust him. And most importantly – he builds on small but consistent victories in preparation."
After winning silver medals at the World Cup in the Philippines, captain Alex Grozdanov said something symbolic:
"Now everyone expects even more. Go to your clubs and work even harder."
According to Ganev, this is also the biggest proof that the team has matured.
The Olympic Vision – "I'm sure we'll go"
There is no hesitation in his words:
"Bulgaria will be at the Olympic Games. We are already at such a level that we have real chances through all paths – ranking, qualifications, Nations League."
Ganev emphasizes that for the first time in years, everyone is working in one direction
coaching staff, players, federation, fans.
"We trust each other. That's the huge difference from before."
Personality, emotions, and stories from a different era
Ganev talks about his past with a sense of humor and undisguised self-confidence:
"Boreto (Borislav Kyosev ed. note) is the best volleyball player. I am the best hitter."
He tells stories from Italy, from CSKA, from the World League stories that show his character:
he kept the audience on their feet;
he won bets with presidents for the number of points from a serve;
he set standards for showmanship and connection with the audience;
he refused to accept volleyball as "work" for him, it was always a pleasure.
After volleyball business, responsibilities, and a new life
After the end of his career, Ganev built a successful business structure: XXL clothing stores, methane companies, other commercial ventures.
"Everything I have, I owe to volleyball. It gave me discipline, ethics, contacts, character."
"Volleyball is the most family-oriented sport," says Ganev.
And he adds with a firm appeal:
"Come to the hall from September 9th. Support the guys. After that, it might be too late for tickets."
The material clearly presents: Bulgarian volleyball now has not only the talent, but also the structure and discipline to be a consistent force. And according to the person who best sees the processes from the inside the best is yet to come.
