Svetoslav Dyakov believes that Levski is the favorite for the title in the First League, referring to the 9-point lead that the “blues“ have in the temporary standings over Ludogorets. The former executive director of Pirin Blagoevgrad said that he did not expect the reigning champions to lag so far behind, but he is confident that if there is a team that can catch up with this lead, it is them.
The former footballer of the “Eagles“, who left a huge mark on their history, is a guest on the show “Arena Sport“ on BNT, where he commented on the development of the season in the domestic championship.
„A very different season, we never expected Ludogorets to lag so far behind anyone, but that's a fact. Quite an interesting battle for the title and we'll see what happens. Things are complex, Ludogorets lost a lot of matches and points that they haven't lost in previous years, especially in Razgrad, where they didn't manage to win many matches, which has an impact. Maybe they were focused a little more on Europe than they should. You shouldn't miss the domestic championship either. Levski, for their part, used this thing. They managed to win their matches and make minimal mistakes. That's why they are probably leading the championship“, he began.
„Ludogorets felt a month or two ago that they had to take our championship very seriously, but they fell quite far behind, to be honest. 9 points at the moment is a serious lead and as much as I don't want to, the favorite for the title at the moment is Levski. If there is anyone who can melt this lead in Bulgaria, it is Ludogorets. This is a pretty solid team purely in football terms. Nothing has been decided yet”, the former footballer also said.
One of the most iconic names in the history of Razgrad praised the work of Julio Velasquez at the helm of the “blues“.
“I have said it many times, it is right to say it here too. Only admiration for Julio Velasquez and his staff. When a person does his job well, we must acknowledge it and say, it does not matter what nationality he is. I am happy and I know that there are also Bulgarian coaches who do a good job, but right now we are talking about Levski. The team is playing well under the leadership of this coach and this is evident to everyone.“
He also commented on the participation of the “Eagles“ on two fronts - the Bulgarian Cup and the domestic elite.
“Knowing the situation in Razgrad very well and the mindset of all the people in the club, I am certain that they will throw their strength everywhere. They do not share matches there. This will happen with a clear team and if necessary, cosmetic rotations will be made. It strikes me that Per-Matthias Högmo does not like to make so many rotations and relies on the same players, which may be right. "For sure, Ludogorets will press everywhere and will not give up any match so easily," said the former head of the "Eagles."
The former football player also commented on the upcoming participation of the Bulgarian national team in the Fifa Series 2026 tournament in Indonesia, where the first match will be with the Solomon Islands.
„After all, this is a match for the national team. When you play for the national team, regardless of the opponent, you have to be as concentrated as possible and give your all. The head coach has decided which players to call up. Only he can justify his choice. Some of the more prominent players will not travel, including Iliya Gruev, but for me this is natural. This is a rather long journey, those who are a little on the periphery will get a chance, but they have to show that they deserve a chance. The absence of Lukas Petkov and Gruev are expected things, if I have to be honest. Gruev plays in the Premier League, a serious enough name to travel such a serious distance. There are other guys who are waiting for their chance, let them get it. I found out about Kristiyan Dimitrov's injury. Since you don't take players from one contender for the title, it's right not to do it from the other, so that everything is equal and so that there are no things that tilt things in the fans' favor“, he emphasized.
“Pirin is missing in the First League, this is a team that will be close to my heart, no matter what happens. I grew up there, I will always love it, support it and go to the stadium when I'm in Blagoevgrad. This is a team with new management and a new owner. I know him, a young and intelligent boy, I really hope he can do it. It won't be easy for him. I think the new management should choose the people to work with. I think they will go down a path that they will decide, but we have to give these people a chance. As supporters who love the club, we have to be at the stadium. It is clear that at the moment it is difficult to enter the First League, but I hope that Pirin will be where almost all of Bulgaria wants it“, concluded Dyakov.