Legendary Jeliazkov to coach Bulgaria

The Bulgarian national federation appointed Nikolay Jeliazkov as the new men’s national team head coach on Wednesday. The legendary Bulgarian player is on a one-year contract with a two-year extension option and is set to lead the Lions through their campaigns at the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Nations League and the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship Russia 2022.

The 51-year-old specialist had been first assistant to outgoing head coach Silvano Prandi since the Italian was appointed in 2019, and the moment has arrived for him to take the leading role.

After a fabulous career as an athlete, during which he was a member of Bulgaria’s great generation of the 1990’s and was the Best Blocker of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, Jeliazkov turned to coaching.

He previously led the Bulgarian U20 national team to a silver medal at the 2010 CEV Junior European Championship and the men’s B national team to another silver at the Baku 2015 European Games. In his coaching career, Jeliazkov has also headed the national team of North Macedonia and club teams from Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Russia and Romania. He is currently at the helm of Bulgaria’s Neftohimik Burgas and has already led the team to several national trophies and medals.

“It is certainly a huge honour for everyone to take over the national team of their country and it is a great pleasure to work with the boys and the staff we have put together,” Nikolay Jeliazkov told Volleyball World.

“I am convinced we are all going to give our best to achieve the high goals we have set for ourselves. Our long-term target is, of course, the Paris 2024 Olympics. It will not be easy, but we have young players with a lot of potential, and experienced players to help them along the way. We need to start getting closer to the level of the world’s top teams and start beating them more often, because I think our current 21st position in the FIVB Ranking does not correspond to the team’s potential. But with a young squad like that, it takes time. Our short-term objectives for this year are to reach the top eight in the VNL and the top six at the World Championship.”

Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2022
FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship Russia 2022
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