The director of Levski's DUSH - Elin Topuzakov , shared with TOPSPORT his opinion before Saturday's derby between the "blue" and CSKA from the efbet Liga. The legend of the club is of the opinion that the forces between the implacable opponents are equal, but he still hopes for minimal success for the selection of Stanislav Genchev. In the TOPSPORT podcast - "Without reservations", Topcho revealed what the clashes with the "armies" mean to him. and what is the formula for success in Bulgaria's #1 match. The former captain of Levska also remembered the most difficult "red" attackers he had to neutralize during the iconic clashes.
"I must have about 40 derbies in different tournaments. Routine and experience in these derbies is important. This match is unlike any other. This match is played on the run, the tackle, the first ball, the second ball....The style and manner of play, the tactics and the construction of the attacks, almost nothing plays. You crush the opponent from the first minute and try to take him to the ground. CSKA are in the same situation. This match is an exception to everything else. We have been too critical in recent years that the two teams did not show anything. The derby is important for fans of both teams how it ends.
And in the end, the result remains. After two or three days, by five, no one will remember who played how or how many chances they missed, or whether the other scored a random goal, for example. Levski - CSKA is played with spirit and heart, clichéd, but that's it! More fight, emotion, to deceive the opponent in the commotion of the full stadium. Everything is a boiling cauldron and you have to make important decisions in split seconds. The cliché that this match is a triple is true. It is impossible to predict who will win any upcoming derby. One detail, one situation, radically changes the entire concept of the teams and it is difficult to predict.
I strongly hope that Levski will perform in its best light so that we have a better chance to win the derby. It will be important for the confidence of the club and the players. Naturally, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Levski, I want us to win. The opponent is in such a situation that they did not start the season well. And there are upheavals and fluctuations. This is the match that can bring them back into the game and claim that they can compete with any team in Bulgaria. I hope for a minimal victory for Levski.
Over the years, there have been quite a few opponents from CSKA who were difficult for me to protect. I played only one match against Berbatov, he then made a transfer abroad. Mitko Ivanov, he was also unpleasant to preserve. I can mention Vlado Manchev. Even Asen Bukarev in the years when he was part of the "red" and played as an offensive footballer. Each one was specific with its qualities. I tried to adapt to everyone and during the match to anticipate their moves, because with my physique I did not have an advantage in disputes about a high ball or physical collisions.
The former Levski and CSKA midfielder Viktorio Pavlov spoke to Sportal about the upcoming derby between the two teams.
"Levski and CSKA is always a thrill in Bulgaria. In the last 10 years, this derby does not stand out with football qualities, and the fans are more leading in this derby. I am proud to have played in both clubs.
In CSKA, I played less, and in Levski for 7-8 years, during which my life in football passed. In these matches, the desire was huge.
Levski is in a better situation and sports form. These matches you can't say who is better. The charge is always the same. Here it depends on attitude and mentality - for the players themselves to come out and show who is the leading team. To have zest and desire. In my opinion, Levski are in better condition. Levski this match, if he doesn't win it, I don't see where there will be a weaker CSKA in the future. CSKA is going to do something from now on, so this is a game that Levski must take. "I think that at the moment Levski are one level ahead of CSKA," Pavlov said.