The coach of the Volleyball Nations League newcomer – Belgium, Emanuele Zanini, has officially ended his relationship with the Spanish Leleman Conqueridor (Valencia). The separation between the two parties is by mutual agreement after the end of the season, with the club explicitly emphasizing that it was not a disciplinary infraction.
The Italian specialist, who has been leading the "Red Devils" since 2022, found himself under pressure in March when he was temporarily suspended after a sharp verbal conflict with a staff member. The subsequent investigation, however, found no violation of ethical norms, and after the end of the campaign, both sides decided it was better to go their separate ways.
Nevertheless, the management of the Valencian club defended Zanini, highlighting his professionalism and contribution to the team's strongest season in its history – a Superliga semi-final, participation in European tournaments, and a historic qualification for the CEV Challenge Cup.
The split at club level will not affect his commitments with the Belgian national team. It is under his leadership that the team is returning to the VNL, where a clash with Bulgaria awaits them in the very first week.
The match between Belgium and Bulgaria in the VNL 2026 (men) will be played on June 10 in Brasília (Brazil) at 19:00 local time, which is 01:00 on June 11 Bulgarian time.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov