Bulgaria‘s national under-21 volleyball team was placed #1 in Group C for next year’s World Championship in China (August 21-31). The draw assigned ours to play Brazil, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Japan and Cuba.
“The group is not easy – commented our coach Ventsislav Simeonov. – Brazil is a traditional power in volleyball. Last year we beat them 3:2 at the World Cup in Argentina. The Czech Republic came third at the European Championship. Given that the regulation states that the top four go out of the group, I think we won’t have any problems. Japan has their typical Asian style, but we are physically superior to them.The Cubans traditionally produce some great talent at the age of 14-15, but they have always had problems with distributors. I don’t no anything about Colombia, but this country has no traditions in volleyball. They haven’t been to a World Cup in decades.”
“At this age, it’s very tough to do real scouting,” the coach continued. – You never know if a competitor who was very strong last year has not regressed in his advancement. Some grow up and some even stop playing volleyball. For me, the most crucial thing is that my players have as many games as starters as possible during the season.”
Bulgaria was lucky that the draw arranged to meet possible opponents in the round of 16 and quarter-final from Group A. There are China, Egypt, USA, Thailand, Morocco and Turkey.
“It’s good that we avoid the other two groups, where there are strong teams like iran, Poland, Italy and France – concluded Simeonov. “My big goal is to compete and beat the best.”
how does Ventsislav Simeonov plan to enhance the team’s mental toughness ahead of the World Championship?
Interview with Ventsislav Simeonov: Insights on Bulgaria’s Under-21 Volleyball Team and the Upcoming World Championship
Host: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ventsislav Simeonov, the head coach of Bulgaria’s national under-21 volleyball team, as they prepare for the World Championship in China next August. Welcome, Ventsislav!
Q1: Congratulations on securing the top spot in Group C! What are your thoughts on being drawn against teams like Brazil, Japan, and the Czech Republic?
Ventsislav Simeonov: Thank you! The draw certainly presents some challenges but also opportunities. Brazil is a traditional powerhouse in volleyball, and while we did manage to beat them 3:2 at the World Cup in Argentina last year, each game is different. The Czech Republic came third at the European Championship, so they’ll be a tough opponent. However, I’m confident that since the top four teams from our group advance, we’ll be able to navigate through it.
Q2: You mentioned Brazil as a strong contender. How does your team plan to prepare for such a high-caliber match?
Ventsislav Simeonov: Readiness is key. We focus not onyl on physical training but also on game strategy and mental toughness. My goal is to ensure that my players have as many opportunities to play as starters during the season. The more experience they gain, the better equipped they’ll be to handle the pressure against teams like Brazil.
Q3: You mentioned that “it’s tough to do real scouting” at this age. Can you elaborate on that?
Ventsislav Simeonov: Absolutely. at the under-21 level, athlete progress can vary greatly. A player who was outstanding last year might not perform at the same level this year due to a variety of factors—personal growth, loss of interest, or other challenges. This unpredictability makes scouting difficult. Though, my focus remains on developing my players to be adaptable and resilient, which I believe will be crucial in our matches.
Q4: Looking at group dynamics, how do you view your group’s overall strength compared to potential matchups in the knockout stages?
Ventsislav Simeonov: We’ve been lucky with the draw. By facing teams from Group A, we will initially avoid other strong teams like iran, Poland, Italy, and France. This gives us a better chance to gain momentum in the tournament. My aim is not just to participate, but to compete and beat the best teams.
Q5: What advice would you give to aspiring young volleyball players who dream of representing their country?
Ventsislav Simeonov: The most critically important advice is to stay committed. Hard work, discipline, and continuous improvement are essential. Young athletes should focus on playing as much as possible, whether it’s in formal settings or casual games. Gaining experience in different situations will enhance their skills and readiness for higher competition levels. Remember, talent is important, but determination and a strong work ethic are what truly define success.
Q6: looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the team in the upcoming World Championship?
Ventsislav Simeonov: My big goal is to prepare our players to compete at the highest levels and achieve a strong finish in the tournament. We want to leave a mark and show that Bulgarian volleyball is a force to be reckoned with.Success is not only measured in wins but also in the experience and growth we gain throughout this journey.
Host: Thank you, Ventsislav, for sharing your insights and strategies as Bulgaria’s under-21 volleyball team gears up for the World Championship. We wish you and your team the best of luck in China!
ventsislav Simeonov: Thank you! It was a pleasure to speak with you.