Gianlorenzo Blengini, head coach of the Bulgarian men's national team, used the efbet Bulgarian Cup 2026 finals in Samokov not just as a tournament, but as a working laboratory for the future of the national team. The Italian specialist watched all matches and, in an interview for the "Volleyball Zone" show on "Max Sport 2", clearly outlined his philosophy – development through young players, constant control, and long-term thinking.

Blengini was in Samokov with his coaching staff, including his assistant Francesco Cadeddu, who only days earlier had been released from Neftochimic 2010 (Burgas). The Italian was adamant that club changes do not affect the work of the national team.

"With Cadeddu, we will continue to work together in the national team, as well as with everyone I had the pleasure of working with last season. Work in clubs and in the national team are completely different things," emphasized the head coach.

The Cup – a key reference point for selection.

According to Blengini, the Cup matches are of exceptional importance for the national staff because they provide an opportunity to observe the development of players live, especially those from the expanded squad and potential future national team members.

He did not hide his satisfaction with what he saw, specifically highlighting the performance of Pirin – a team which, in his opinion, was the surprise of the tournament. Blengini emphasized the fact that the club works with many young volleyball players, and without a serious budget, which makes their successes even more impressive.

The Italian gave specific examples:

• Zlatkov, who came in as a substitute in the quarter-final against Levski and significantly influenced the game,
  
  

  
  

• Manolev, part of the young wave in Pirin's squad.
  
  

  
  

Blengini noted that there are also quite a few young players in Levski, which he believes is a very good sign for Bulgarian volleyball as a whole.

The Bulgarian championship as a "super showcase".

Among the spectators in Samokov were figures from outside Bulgarian volleyball. Blengini revealed that Daniele Sottile – part of the Italian team during the Olympic final in Rio de Janeiro 2016, when Blengini himself was the coach of the "Azzurri" – was present in the stands. We wrote about this presence on the very first day of the tournament.

His visit, as well as that of other agents, was not accidental.

"This also happens in the Cup finals in Italy and Poland. These are normal things for the volleyball world. When a championship starts to become more interesting and showcase young players, it turns into a super showcase," explained the head coach.

He added that this development has also led to a tangibly increased international interest in the Bulgarian national team. During the winter break, Blengini received significantly more inquiries for friendly matches compared to the same period a year earlier – an effect of the team's results and progress.

The philosophy: not just to play, but to understand.

In his conversation, Blengini also touched upon the deeper topic of the development of young players. According to him, the cliché that "players must play" is often repeated, but this is only one part of the process.

True growth, according to him, comes when a young volleyball player:

• understands exactly what is required of him,

• trains purposefully and consistently.

• receives trust and a clear methodology.

Especially for a country like Bulgaria, with a smaller population and limited resources, faith in young people and systematic work with them are the key to long-term success.

A look ahead

Gianlorenzo Blengini's optimism after the tournament in Samokov was palpable. According to him, the use of more and more young players is not a risk, but an investment in the future - not only for the national team, but also for the entire Bulgarian volleyball.

The Cup Finals proved to be not just a sporting event, but a mirror of a trend: Bulgarian volleyball is starting to attract attention again - with its young players, with its potential, and with the clear direction set by the national team coach.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov