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CEV EuroVolley 2023 | Men
Bulgaria's volleyball stars are sharpening their claws for the upcoming EuroVolley, and they're not holding back. Plamen Konstantinov, the head coach, has transformed this summer into a high-stakes training marathon.
In a year that defied norms, the Bulgarian national team, known as the Balkan Lions, embarked on a training regimen that transcended conventional boundaries. Head coach Plamen Konstantinov equated their preparation for EuroVolley 23 to an "all-in" wager, where every ounce of effort and dedication has been invested to secure victory.
Bulgaria's enduring legacy in the European Championships is a testament to their commitment to excellence. With participation in 30 out of 31 editions since their debut in 1950, the only absence being in 2005, Bulgaria's consistent presence symbolizes their prowess in the sport. Second only to Italy in terms of experience hosting EuroVolley, this year the spotlight is on them – hosts alongside Italy, aiming to dominate from the pool phase to the quarter-finals.
The local favourites, with their hero, Tsvetan Sokolov, and rising stars Martin Atanasov, Aleksandar Nikolov and co. lead a roster hungry for the glory days. But Pool B won't be a breeze as they will face tough opponents, such as Slovenia, who have enjoyed a great streak of success in recent years. Ukraine reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Championships where they lost to Slovenia, but showed big potential. Also, Croatia, Spain, and Finland, are each capable of surprising and promise an intense competition.
Italian-born Emanuele Zanini is now in charge of the Red Dragons. The Belgian men's national team has just played 2 warm-up matches against the Bulgarian squad looking to bounce back in 23. He is a long-standing friend of Plamen Konstantinov. For the Bulgarian coach, “attitude and effort is the difference between success and failure.”
Emanuele Zanini“Plamen Konstantinov just brings his personality to the group. As a player he was always a little bit “hot blooded” but that was his style of volleyball. He has always believed that you can never play volleyball without showing emotions.”
Experience-packed lineup
The Bulgarian lineup radiates experience across the board. A list of 14 players, meticulously chosen by Konstantinov, will most certainly feature the return of veterans like Teodor Salparov, the Bratoev twins, and Nikolay Penchev. While the iconic Matey Kaziyski's absence will be felt, the emergence of 19-year-old Aleksandar Nikolov, of Cucine Lube Civitanova, adds a new dimension. The young talent, following in his father's footsteps, represents the future of Bulgarian volleyball and holds immense promise. To some observers, he might very well be “The Next Big Thing” in the sport.
Bulgaria's unity as a team is their secret weapon. They are close and that is super important that they know the value of being close and having chemistry. They are buying into the system, as coaches often say. This isn't just about skills, it's about playing as a tight-knit unit. Team chemistry and understanding give them a strategic edge. They're not just playing, they're strategizing together, as one.
Bulgaria lost to Germany (1-3) in the eighth finals at EuroVolley 2021. The 2023 EuroVolley is more than a tournament for the Balkan Lions; it's a chance to write history. The pressure of playing on home turf is undeniable, yet the Lions remain unfazed. Plamen Konstantinov's cautious optimism reveals that the journey could redefine Bulgaria's place in European Volleyball history.
Normally, Konstantinov's pre-game feelings are somewhere between reserved and optimistic. The fact that he feels this year’s team could broach history-making territory in Varna of all places, should say something.