The two co-presidents of volleyball club Levski Sofia – David Davidov and Vladimir Nikolov – stood before the camera in the Levski Sofia sports hall to answer questions posed by fans on social media. The conversation covered several main topics that logically concern the public at a time when the season is entering its decisive phase – the team's goals, limited rotation, transfer policy, foreign players, European tournaments, and the prospects for young athletes.

Right from the start, Davidov outlined the maximum framework in which the club sees itself.

"Levski's goals can only be one – to win all matches we participate in," he stated, adding that this has not changed since the first day of their joint work. The co-president admitted that reality dictates consideration of various circumstances – competition, budget, selection opportunities, and players' health, but according to him, the name "Levski" obliges the management to strive for the best.

Player selection and workload: "a strategic decision"

One of the most frequently asked questions was whether 1-2 more experienced players should have been signed to avoid the risk of overloading older players in the condensed calendar.

Davidov and Nikolov's answer was that the decision not to seek additional "ready-made" signings was well-considered and strategic. According to them, bringing in more experienced players would limit the playing time of young talents, and the club is committed to following a policy of developing its own players. They reminded that in the last two seasons, Levski has achieved significant results with 11 boys from its academy, which is part of the reason the policy has not been changed.

At the same time, it was noted that the season did not pass without complications. Davidov pointed out that injuries had removed players from rotation who were supposed to provide alternatives in certain positions. Among the names mentioned were Nikola Konstantinov and Gordan Lyutskanov, with Lyutskanov's case clarified as having treated a shoulder injury for a long time.

Why no new player was signed during the season

The management admitted that it had discussed options for signing a player mid-season but ultimately did not make a move in the transfer market. The argument was that a suitable profile was not found – a player who would meet the coach's expectations and fit into the club's structure.

"Nothing is written off" – and without a "third string"

In the conversation, fan assessments also emerged that the season might have been "written off" due to the shorter squad. Davidov and Nikolov did not accept such a thesis, emphasizing that Levski believes it can defeat any team in the league. According to them, the only team the club has not yet beaten in the championship is Lokomotiv, but they do have a victory against this opponent in the Supercup.

When asked if the so-called "third string" would be brought in to defend the title, the position was clear: an additional group of players is not needed, and the most important thing is for the squad to be healthy at key moments.

The "Bardarov" topic – a brief answer

Among the questions, logically, was also one about a possible return of Denislav Bardarov, but the management's answer was negative – such an option is not being considered.

Transfers: "volleyball is not football"

Davidov and Nikolov also dedicated time to the topic of player departures and public reactions surrounding transfers. Davidov explained that in Bulgarian volleyball, one cannot speak of transfer fees like in football – revenues from such deals are symbolic and are not a factor that changes the club's financial state.

Nikolov added that for players who have already won everything at the local level, it is normal to seek the next step. According to him, this is a natural path in the development of young players – to step out of their comfort zone and try themselves in stronger leagues, instead of looking back at the Bulgarian Superliga.

Foreign players – only where there is no solution from the academy

When asked why the club does not sign more quality foreign players, the management stated that the principle is to bring in external players only for positions where there is no sufficiently prepared homegrown talent. Julian Waesig was cited as an example, and for the other positions, it was emphasized that Levski has its own players who can handle the responsibility at this level.

The Champions League: prestige that comes at a high price

Among the most specific points in the conversation was the topic of participation in the Champions League and whether it brings financial benefit. Davidov gave a clear account: according to him, the European campaign ended about 100,000 euros "at a loss" when all expenses for travel, organization, accommodation, hosting, and venue requirements are tallied.

The management's conclusion is that in volleyball, European tournaments are a matter of prestige and ambition, but rarely bring financial balance, unless one reaches the highest stages of the tournament.

"Player development" as a mission

Nikolov also defended the club's broader philosophy – that player development is crucial not only for Levski, but for the entire Bulgarian championship and for the national teams. He pointed out that there are 12 teams in the Super League and dozens of new players are needed every year because some players end their careers. According to him, someone has to create these talents – to take them from school and the streets, bring them into the gym, and develop them.

The youth: progress is being made, but it's not linear

The conversation also touched upon the argument that the new generation is not fully ready for men's volleyball. Nikolov admitted that the club had expected the boys to be further along, but emphasized that development is not linear and requires time and patience.

What's next

At the end of the first part of the responses, it became clear that the club is already thinking about the next season – including strengthening positions where deficits are visible, as well as a greater role for the young players, on whom Levski relies.

However, the conversation with Davidov and Nikolov also conveyed the main feeling that despite the pressure for "results at all costs," the management is not willing to abandon its chosen path – to pursue trophies, but to preserve the development of its own talents.

Stay tuned for the continuation – Part 2.