The Bulgarian national team (Men) started training again after the end of the club season. We already know the team list of Bulgaria and the names of the players who were called up for this volleyball summer.
But probably, you’re wondering where is Vladimir Nikolov – the legendary player of Bulgaria. Now that Vlado gave up his professional career in the national team, he’s still very close to the sports hall..and he is also still connected to the team. Nowadays, Nikolov is the Head Manager of the Bulgarian national team.
I had the chance to talk to him during the very first training session of the National team and here is what he shared about the current situation in the team and his personal ambitions:
Mr. Nikolov, you are watching the training of the National team out of the volleyball field and for the very first time since many years, you’re not taking part in this session. What is the feeling?
It is really strange. But above all, I think that everything good has its begin and its end. (V.Nikolov is talking about his professional career in the NT).
Do you think that the position of Head Manager is the right one for you?
Yes, at least I feel that I am doing something and that I can help. I am doing something completely new for me- and it is very interesting , because the work here is dynamic but at the same time I feel that I am helpful.
What are the main aims ahead of the team in this volleyball summer?
We don’t have any specific aims as we’re talking if the the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation requires something from us. We ourselves – in the team, set our goals. The main one is to have excellent results in the European Championship. As for the FIVB World League – you know, we’re in a very difficult group. However, we’re going to search for the win in every single game, if possible, considering the strong teams we’re playing against. And at the same time – we’re going to give a chance to the young boys in the team. There would be one young boy in every single game which will be given the opportunity to play. We’d like to give a chance to the younger boys, so that they could feel the emotion. But also to feel the importance of the games.
Is there any tension left after the last scandalous summer?
I don’t think so. Everything is calm, you see it yourself- the boys are training and the atmosphere is good. Everything is ok.
What are your personal goals? Are they connected to the coach stuff?
No, I am not having any ambitions connected to the coach profession. My only wish is that the atmosphere in the team is good, to not have any problems and of course, I’d like us to achieve something big.
