Three-time champion with CSKA Velizar Dimitrov was a guest on Vili Vutsov's podcast, where he commented on current topics surrounding Bulgarian football, CSKA, recalled key moments from his career with the army team, as well as a funny incident with the recently departed legendary coach Dimitar Penev, writes "Tema sport".
„I am a fan of CSKA and I spent my best sports years there. Naturally, I am interested in what is happening. I spoke with Hristo Yanev around New Year's, but I am not a person to ask questions and be arrogant.
A team without a base is like an orphan. I return to what CSKA will do – ultramodern training base near Sofia Airport. The latest fashion. And this is much more important than the new stadium. The procedure has begun, several properties have already been taken. They tell me that it will be built in a year and a half - two. You can't screw up the system - with a minimum of funds, maximum results“, said Dimitrov, who is currently the chairman of the board of directors of Miner Pk.
According to him, things have taken a more serious turn for the worse in CSKA after the appointment of Tomislav Stipić as coach.
“A man with the characteristics of a team that is wandering around in low places. With counterattack tactics and a stable defense. CSKA cannot play like that - the mentality is different. Not to mention that of the fans. You know that the two giants always have to play beautifully, score 3-4 goals, concede 5.
With the arrival of Tomas - a ray of light. The national team has been on fire for the past two seasons. Kerkez, to be honest, was doing well in Botev Pd before he came to CSKA.
I am very interested in what kind of credit they will give to Hristo Yanev. To be honest, after his arrival the team started to play something. Before that, no football - a total kick forward, if someone comes up with something to score a goal. Hristo works a lot, I have known him for many years - he works 24/7 and football is the only thing on his mind. We have even talked to each other that so much work is not right - you have a family, friends, you have to somehow relax, otherwise you "smoke". I am not saying that CSKA plays great football, but they have improved a lot of things, and most of all the results have improved. They give self-confidence. The fans are happy, but the most important thing is the owner is happy. When there are results, you can demand from him – to take another player, to improve this, this and that…“, said Dimitrov.
Villi recalled the elimination from Toulouse in 2007 as one of the most negative moments with the red shirt.
„There are many more positive emotions, but something that I will never forget is the elimination from Toulouse. An exceptional bad luck, a fabrication – the goalkeeper kicks the ball, jumps one, another… in the 97th minute.“
However, the best memory of the Pernik player with the army team is also connected with a European match.
„My most positive moment is the victory over Liverpool at “Anfield“. Before the first match in Sofia, half I didn't play for a year because of cruciate ligament problems. Coach Jesic tells me: “You come, you're in camp, you start tomorrow“. How will I start – I have half a training session, a pre-match – a square or something, to get in the mood. But I'm staying in camp.
We're going to do the analysis. “No. 8 – Velizar Dimitrov. I forbid him to make any possible mistakes.“ – And then he starts with the others. I can't assimilate – how will I start against Liverpool. But Fate is thanking you. I scored a goal with a header between Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher – both two meters away. The recovery was very difficult“, said Dimitrov.
His favorite eternal derby is from the autumn of the 2002/03 championship season d.
„My most memorable derby is the first one – 3:0, there was no match then. And Levski were a very strong team, and our entire squad was new. We won 13 consecutive victories with Stoycho Mladenov.“
For the final, Velizar Dimitrov also recalled a funny incident with Dimitar Penev. At that time, Stratega from Mirovyane was leading the national team, of which Velizar was also a part. Bulgaria played two consecutive European qualifiers in November 2007 – a home match against Romania, won 1:0 after a goal with a header by Dimitrov, and four days later a new success – 2:0 over Slovenia. There, Velizar assisted Berbatov for the second goal in the last minute.
„In the match against Romania, we won 1:0. Penev gathered the team on Monday in 11:00 a.m. at “Boyana“ for the next match with Slovenia. I and two or three other guys go at the appointed time. No one is there. At some point, the senior comes and whispers in my ear: “If I were you, after that goal, I would come on Wednesday“. I was even younger then. The older ones really came on Wednesday. We would also go to Slovenia“, recalled Velizar Dimitrov in the YouTube podcast Sesame_Liga_Vutsov.