Lube Civitanova participated for the second time in the Jesi Volley Cup. Alex Nikolov, who is recovering from an operation and intensively preparing for the new season, was also in the group. He even took part in the team's warm-up, attempting an attack at the net several times. The Bulgarian national player was kind enough to answer a few questions fromvolleyweek.bg.

– Hello, how is your recovery going?

– The recovery is going well. I have already done 3-4 trainings in which I participated fully – I took part in the rallies. I feel good. Every day I am half, one percent better than the previous one. However, there is still some period of adaptation to normal, fast volleyball.

– When will you be able to join the championship?

– If we are to be realistic, it will most likely be a little further in time, because the start of the championship is in 2 weeks. I will need at least a month to adapt. I hope to be able to participate fully as soon as possible to help the team.

– Yesterday the draw for next year's World Championship was made. We were placed in a group with Slovenia and Germany. What is your opinion? Are these teams beatable?

– They are certainly beatable; after all, we didn't get teams like the USA, Poland, or Italy. So, this is a relatively good draw. We have two teams that are within our capabilities. Of course, we must not forget that both teams participated in the Olympics, where they performed well. Nevertheless, I believe it is within our capabilities to overcome them in the preliminary group.

– Your brother participated in the European Championship, where the national team won silver medals. Were you able to watch any matches?

– Yes, of course. I try to watch every match in which Bulgaria participates. I think the boys performed very well, even exceeding expectations. They fell a little short of gold, but even so, they achieved something great and should be very proud of it.

– Moni is following in your footsteps, now he has gone to Long Beach. Were you able to give him any advice?

– Yes. It's different there, not just the ball you play with, but everything. The culture and the whole way of training are different. There will be a moment of adaptation, however. I think they can learn a lot from there, as well as develop other character traits, which is also important.

– Probably new additions will come from this squad (U20) to help you in the men's team. Besides Moni, are there other boys you see filling the ranks of the men's national team?

– Of course, there are! I saw boys at this European Championship who should have been called up to the extended squad last year to gain experience. Because for a young boy to play in the men's national team, 2-3 years of gradual adaptation to the playing style, endurance, and many other things must pass. I think that the outside hitters there, in particular, are very good and have a future in the men's team.

– Your father appeared in the capacity of a coach. Did this new role of his surprise you?

– Yes, it surprised me a lot. I'm glad that right at the beginning he managed to win a silver medal, which is not bad at all. (laughs) Yes, it's really not bad.

– In this perspective - do you see chances for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028?

– That is the dream of all of us Bulgarians. Especially mine. I really want, especially after such an injury, to be able to return to my maximum. I repeat again - I hope it works out. I believe it will work out, and we will fight with absolutely all our strength to qualify for these Olympics. Before that, we must aim for a prize-winning classification at next year's World Championship. But still, the biggest goal is the Olympics.