CSKA's volleyball team will try to overcome Belgian Menen in the men's Challenge Cup quarterfinals, assured head coach Aleksandar Popov and captain Martin Bozhilov.
The two, along with another CSKA player, Krasimir Mitev, received the award for team number 1 in November in the traditional survey of sports editorial offices, deservedly for the team's qualification for the Challenge Cup quarterfinals.
CSKA received 14 votes out of a total of 25 participating media outlets, and coach Aleksandar Popov became number 1 among his colleagues for the month with 13 out of 25 votes.
Popov revealed that he was surprised by winning the award. "Thank you for the attention and the choice. I didn't want us to come to the awards ceremony because we don't feel worthy with the games and results we've been providing to our fans in recent months. But I'm glad that our efforts to represent CSKA достойно in European tournaments are appreciated. In light of our honesty, I needed to make this clarification," stated the coach of the "red" volleyball players.
"I hope we perform more достойно in the next matches. That's the beauty of sports, things can change quickly. We have some problems in the team, and they are best solved with selection, but we are not shying away from responsibility for the squad we have. We are not playing well. Around New Year's is transfer window time. We will see how far and how we succeed with our efforts," Aleksandar Popov continued.
When asked about the recovery of the operated Nikolai Penchev, Popov commented: "He started the season with difficulty, wasn't in his best form. He played his best matches precisely against Ukrainian Epicentr, but was emergency operated for appendicitis. Thanks to the doctors, because the situation was complicated. He has already resumed training, but about a month to a month and a bit will be needed for him to get into optimal shape. It's a bit unrealistic for him to be ready for the Bulgarian Cup."
CSKA volleyball captain Martin Bozhilov was adamant that the team would go to Belgium for a victory in the rematch against Menen on December 17.
"For us, the motivation is always the same. Against Menen, the match was even. We missed out on beating them decisively, but I think nothing is lost. Our chances are completely real. We are going for a win," Bozhilov stated before the Challenge Cup quarterfinal rematch after losing 2:3 in the first leg.
When asked about financial problems at the club, Aleksandar Popov stated that there were none at CSKA.
"We haven't had financial problems in the last 4 years, thanks to our sponsors and friends. We have some organizational problems, but the bad is already far behind us. I hope that someday we will be able to say that our problems with 'Vasil Simov' hall are solved, but our club is financially stable," Popov commented.
"Our current state does not predetermine making long-term plans," said the head coach of the "reds" regarding expectations for the current season. "We have a slightly different heart, and the topic of giving up or discouragement does not exist. We look for the reasons within ourselves. It's a matter of time to solve our problems. This is a challenge. The Bulgarian championship is difficult and interesting," Popov added.
Regarding one of the young volleyball players in the team - Krasimir Mitev, the coach said: "An extremely talented boy for volleyball. He came to study in Sofia and combines studying at the Technical University and sports. He is an example of dedication, honesty and intelligence."
"I also thank you on my behalf for the award, and I promise that I will do my best to lead the team in a better direction," Mitev said on his part.
/KM/
