Halkbank head coach Stoytchev sets targets for Modena and Galatasaray matches

Halkbank head coach Stoytchev said they expect intense competition in Türkiye and Europe in the new season. The Bulgarian coach said they want to prepare well for matches against Modena, their first opponent in European competitions, and Galatasaray in the league.

Scraper SystemOctober 08, 2026, 01:38 PM

Halkbank head coach Stoytchev sets targets for Modena and Galatasaray matches

Halkbank head coach Stoytchev and team captain Matey Kaziyski spoke to the press about the season ahead at the TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall, as the team continued its preparations for the new season in Ankara.

Stoytchev said he had great respect for Halkbank's history and expected intense competition both in Türkiye and Europe in the new season. The Bulgarian head coach said the team wanted to be competitive in European competitions, but that it was not possible to predict at this stage how far they could go during the season.

Modena will be Halkbank's first European opponent

Recalling that Halkbank's first opponent in European competitions would be Modena, one of Italy's leading teams, Stoytchev said they needed to approach the match with respect and be well prepared. Stoytchev said they would try to reach their goals by taking one match at a time.

Halkbank Başantrenörü Stoytchev, Modena ve Galatasaray maçları için hedeflerini açıkladı

Stoytchev said some players had joined the squad late during the team's preparation period and that others were returning from injury, adding that their playing system would take shape over time. The head coach said they needed at least two to three months to establish the team's identity, playing style and system.

Stoytchev: The first match is very important to me

Halkbank will face Galatasaray in the opening week of the league. Stoytchev said the two teams had played two friendly matches during the preseason and described Galatasaray as one of Türkiye's strongest teams.

Emphasizing the importance of the first official match for him, Stoytchev said a certain level of pressure was necessary while preparing for the game. The head coach said they respected Galatasaray and would try to give their best in the match.

Kaziyski is happy with life in Ankara

Team captain Matey Kaziyski, who renewed his contract with Halkbank, said he was happy living in Ankara. Kaziyski said many dishes in Turkish cuisine were similar to those in Bulgarian cuisine, adding that this made him feel at home.

Kaziyski said he had formed good friendships in Ankara and enjoyed spending time in the city, adding that he was happy to have the opportunity to stay at Halkbank for another season. He said he expected his experience to help the team develop more quickly and allow him to support his teammates during difficult moments of the season.

Kaziyski said there was a good balance between young and experienced players in the squad. The captain said many changes had been made to the team and that it was too early to assess the squad, but added that they had strong potential.

Halkbank head coach Stoytchev sets targets for Modena and Galatasaray matches