The former Levski player and now assistant in the German Ingolstadt Iliya Gruev spoke to the podcast “Champion Games“ on gospodari.com. In it, he revealed that he was twice sought by “Gerena“ for the coaching position, and explained the reasons why his appointment was not reached, writes "Tema sport".
Mr. Gruev, how did you see Levski's season?
Ludogorets had a phenomenal first half-season. And I can say that what we saw in the spring is in Levski's favor, because the blues reduced the difference in points. But when a team plays like this in the fall, it is very difficult to be close to it, even though the capital team had a good asset in the first half of the season. Julio Velasquez is a coach who knows what he is talking about. An erudite person who did his job very well. Yes, on the one hand, people say that second place is not inherent to Levski. That is true, but the Blues have not been in this position in the standings for nine years. This should be considered a success and the positive energy should be taken to carry over into the preparation for the new season.
What is your opinion of the Blues' play?
Levski played well in the spring. The fact that it did not lose its matches with Ludogorets, which happened in previous years, speaks for itself. But we should not forget the good work that Stanislav Genchev did in the first half of the season. The team was going well under him. Now I am no longer familiar with his disagreements with the management. But this is everywhere in the world - the bosses make the decisions, right or wrong. As I said, second place can be taken as a step forward. From here on, the Blues have the opportunity, with the positive energy that has been created, to go up.
How would you comment on the lack of specific goals that Julio Velasquez has to set for Levski?
I will give an example of Germany. In the country, only one team announces its goals - Bayern Munich. In Bulgaria, Ludogorets can say this after 14 consecutive titles. Have you heard Dortmund say in recent years that they want to become champions, or Leverkusen, who have won everything recently. Even Leipzig, who have serious funds. That's why I understand Julio Velasquez, because in this way it more or less takes the pressure off the players.
Are Bulgarian coaches underestimated, since our leading teams are led by foreigners?
The fact is that in our country, native specialists are not protected. Because when fired, if I'm not mistaken, they receive two salaries and everything is over. In Germany, if they fire you in the first year, and you signed for two, the next you continue to receive it month by month. I learned from a Serbian coach that the most important thing in this profession is the contract. For me, our specialists are underestimated.
How do you see Levski next season in competition with Ludogorets and CSKA?
Optimistic. Velasquez already knows what the Bulgarian reality is. He is familiar with the teams. It's easier for him now and he should have settled in. He should be a bit more prepared. From a coaching point of view, it's very important to have an axis of experienced players, and Bulgarians at that. Goalkeeper Svetlyo Vutsov, central defender Kristian Dimitrov, midfielder Georgi Kostadinov and Alex Kolev in attack. A central axis, adding Radi Kirilov and Marin Petkov to them. This is very important for a team.
You were announced as the favorite to coach Levski several times. Was there an option for you to take charge of the Blues?
I've had contacts with Levski over the years, but both times I had a contract - with Duisburg and Werder Bremen. It couldn't happen. I don't hide that I respect Sirakov and Borimirov. They wrote that they saw me at “Gerena“. Where should I be? I watched training. Then Nasko and I had a simple conversation and he asked me what my plans were. I told him they were related to abroad, and he replied to look for him when I decide to come home. That was it. I have no ambition for Levski at the moment, but never say never. The Blues currently have a coach.