Former Azerbaijan volleyball player Yelena Shabovta has shared her expectations for the national team's performance at the CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Shabovta said the team currently looks strong and praised head coach Faig Garayev for bringing the players together.
"The national team looks strong at the moment. I am very happy to see all the players together and the team with this squad. I think this is entirely down to Faig Garayev, who has done important work to unite everyone and prepare the national team.
"I am coming to Baku specifically to see the team's performance with my own eyes. It is a special moment for me because I have missed Baku very much. I haven't been there for a long time. I am happy to have the opportunity to return and support the national team," she told Report.
Shabovta, however, said she does not want to make an early prediction about Azerbaijan's prospects at the European Championship.
"First, I would like to watch the opening match and see the condition of the team, how the players interact on the court and with what mindset they enter the tournament. Only after the first game will I be able to assess their chances more objectively and name the team I consider the main favorite for the championship."
Coached by Garayev, Azerbaijan will compete in Group C alongside Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania and Spain.
The Group C matches will be held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku until August 28. EuroVolley 2026, which runs until September 6, is being jointly hosted by Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
The top four teams from each group will advance to the playoff stage.
