Miroslav Zhivkov described all Bulgarian national players in the U20 men's team as heroes. The coach spoke to the official website of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation after the 3:0 victory over Ukraine in the European Championship semi-final. Now we have a match for gold against France, the only team that has not lost in the tournament.
"I can only thank and speak in the best possible words about my boys," said Zhivkov. "These are heroes. They are a demonstration of how our two years of hard work are paying off. We have had a wonderful championship so far. I am proud of them! Everyone contributes to the great success. We know what kind of team we are facing. France's volleyball players play in elite men's teams, many of them are starters. This country has a wonderfully built system for developing young volleyball players. I am glad that we are following their path. Our federation did everything necessary to prepare us in the best conditions, and the result is evident. I told the boys that now they must forget everything we have done so far in the European Championship.

I want us to go into the final with clear heads. Since we have reached this match, it means we are one of the two best teams in Europe. This is the best for Bulgaria. I am sure that the volleyball players in my team will soon be national team members. And this will be more than deserved. I will be happy to watch them in the men's team. Now we have one thing left - to play a great final. We promise all Bulgarians that we will give our all to win it."

Photo: Nikolay Varadinov