Blengini extends Bulgaria contract through 2028: “our goal remains Los Angeles”
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Gianlorenzo Blengini is staying at the helm of the Bulgarian men’s national team, and the Italian coach has made it clear that the destination remains unchanged: Los Angeles 2028.
Blengini has extended his contract with the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, confirming the mutual desire to continue a project that began with one overriding ambition — to guide Bulgaria back to the Olympic Games. Speaking during the national team’s open training session in Samokov, the Italian stressed that the decision to extend their collaboration was shared by both sides.
“For me, the most important thing is that, in the end, this is a mutual decision, and there was a clear and categorical desire from both sides to continue in this direction. It is clear to everyone that the goal has not changed from the very beginning, from the first day I came here, which is qualification for the Olympic Games.
Everything we do every day is subordinated to this goal – all the training and efforts of the players, the staff, all of us,” he stated to journalists in Samokov.
The road to Los Angeles has already produced encouraging signs.
Bulgaria came remarkably close to reaching the VNL Finals this summer, missing out by just one victory. For Blengini, there is naturally some disappointment, but also a clear sense that the team has continued to build on the foundations laid during the previous season.
“There is regret in us. We were really close to qualifying for the Nations League finals. We built upon last year’s performance, we did a lot of good things. It was difficult after qualifying for the World Championship last year because of the high expectations placed on us. We had a good performance in the League,” he commented.
The Italian, however, does not want his players to become prisoners of either their achievements or their missed opportunities. The next challenge is already waiting, with EuroVolley 2026 offering Bulgaria another opportunity to measure its progress against the continent’s strongest teams.
“I want the players to think about what is happening today and what is related to what we are doing now. The main goal is to show our best version during Euro 2026. There are things we need to work on.”
The coaching staff have already begun looking beyond the VNL campaign. Blengini revealed that Bulgaria’s performances were carefully compared with those of the eight teams that reached the tournament’s final phase, with the aim of identifying the next areas for improvement.
“We analyzed the top eight teams from the Nations League. We need to make an additional upgrade. This is what I ask of the players every day,” the head coach stated emphatically.
Despite Bulgaria’s impressive progress, Blengini is keen to keep expectations under control. He believes his team is increasingly capable of competing with the leading nations, but he does not consider the team among the main favorites for the European title.
“We are not favorites for the title. There are teams ahead of us like Poland, Italy, and the Olympic champion France. These teams are favorites. The expectations are on them. We just have to show our best version.”
The contract extension also includes an important personal element for Blengini. The Italian asked the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation for the freedom to accept a club position should an offer that meets his requirements arrive — a request that was accepted by the federation’s management.
“The only thing I asked for was to be given the opportunity, if I wished and received a suitable offer, to be free to take on a club team as well.
This was accepted, for which I am truly grateful to the management of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation,” Blengini explained.
During the first two years of his time in Bulgaria, the coach deliberately turned down a number of club offers, believing that his priority should be understanding the national team and the environment around it.
“In the first two years of my contract with the federation, I declined many offers because I thought it was the right thing to do to get to know the situation here in more detail. Now I felt that the moment had come when I could also take on a club team.”
For now, however, there is no concrete destination. Blengini insists that his attention is entirely on Bulgaria and the upcoming European Championship.
“Now, where things will go next is yet to be clarified. I just wanted to have the peace of mind knowing that I have their permission. At the moment, 1 am fully focused on preparing the national team for the European Championship,” he added.
The possibility of combining national-team and club duties is hardly unfamiliar territory for Blengini. During his time with Italy, he simultaneously coached the national side and Lube Civitanova, an experience that gives him confidence that the demanding schedule can be managed once again.
“As for whether I will cope with a dual commitment – I have done it as a coach for Italy and Lube, and it worked out. For me, this will not be a problem because I have already done it. Of course, it will be quite demanding and will involve additional effort on my part, but I have no concerns that I will manage,” Gianlorenzo Blengini stated.
The Italian also used the occasion to thank the Bulgarian supporters for the energy and backing they provided throughout the VNL campaign, hoping that the national team can continue to give them reasons to believe.
For Bulgaria, EuroVolley 2026 is therefore more than just another major tournament. It is the next checkpoint in a long-term project that has already brought the team closer to the highest level of international volleyball.
And for Blengini, the equation remains simple: improve today, compete with the best tomorrow, and keep Los Angeles 2028 firmly on the horizon.
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