Blengini on the TALK PLAYER podcast: "the ideal player", Nikolov/Micheletto and why the "Bulgaria" project is his boldest move

Bulgaria's head coach Gianlorenzo 'Kiko' Blengini was a guest on the TALK PLAYER podcast, where he spoke about his career, the most important influences on him, his philosophy as a coach, and especially his great mission at the helm of the Bulgarian national team. The occasion that sparked fans' interest came in the 'Give Me Five' segment, when the Italian specialist outlined his 'matrix' for an ideal volleyball player based on key elements.

'The Ideal Player' according to Blengini

In the game where he had to name the best players in individual components, Blengini chose:

Setting: Micah Christenson
Block: Roberto Russo
Reception: Jenja Grebennikov
Attack (repertoire/versatility): Aleksandar Nikolov / Alessandro Michieletto (equal)

This is precisely the original source for the 'Ideal Player blueprint' popular on social media, which was later summarized by fan pages.

Nikolov vs. Michieletto: why Blengini refused to choose

Asked directly 'Nikolov or Michieletto', Blengini refused to place one above the other and emphasized that for him, they are 'top players' – athletes who 'change the balance of power' and decide matches with their performance. According to him, Michieletto emerged on the big stage earlier, while Nikolov is in a process of very close development, also having the advantage of age.

His boldest coaching step: Bulgaria

Blengini describes the choice to take over Bulgaria not as a 'backup plan,' but as a consciously sought-after new great motivation. He admits that the project was ambitious and difficult from the start – a young team, a need for accelerated growth, and a clear awareness of how far the path to the highest goals is.

In the conversation, the Italian dedicates special attention to the potential of young Bulgarian leaders, speaking highly of setter Simeon (Mony) Nikolov – praising his maturity, emotional control, and stability in difficult moments, 'like a veteran' despite his age, plus significant physical and technical resources for development.

World Championship Final against Italy: 'if we had to lose it...'

Blengini also commented on the lost World Championship final against Italy, admitting that at the moment itself, it wasn't emotionally 'different' – a final is experienced as a final, with maximum concentration. But in retrospect, he says clearly: if they had to lose, it's easier for him that it happened against Italy – his country and federation, to which he feels gratitude.

Velasco – the key figure in his journey

Among the main topics is also the strong connection with Julio Velasco, which Blengini describes as far beyond professional: constant contact, conversations, and exchange of ideas. He describes Velasco as a person with an exceptional ability to foresee problems and 'arrive at solutions earlier,' combining culture, intelligence, and experience.

His philosophy: no 'recipes,' only adaptation

Blengini insists that in volleyball (and in people management), there are no universal recipes. The same situation with different people requires a different approach. For him, the goal is for the coach to understand the context, adapt solutions, and at least not repeat the same wrong model.

The Italian cycle and recognition

The coach also talks about his period as the head coach of Italy and the talents he promoted. He emphasizes that the greatest recognition for a coach is not public acclaim, but the attitude of the players themselves when they greet him with respect and human closeness years later.

The interview provides an interesting "inside look" not only into Blengini's personality but also into his mindset as the head coach of Bulgaria: pragmatic, process- and detail-oriented, with a clear assessment of which players "decide matches" and why the path of young players to the top goes through the right environment and consistent development.