CSKA's new head coach Tomislav Stipich comments on his impressions after his first days at work at the club and revealed his goals for the remaining part of the summer training, BTA reported.
"First we need to get to know each other, to build a good atmosphere in the team. Football players must familiarize themselves with my rules, adapt to my requirements. Our results also depend on the good atmosphere in the team. The last five days the boys have been training in a very good mood. This is a good foundation for good results. I want us to build a core and then we will get into the preparations in the best possible way", comments Stipich.
He revealed that serious work is being done on the selection and expects new players in the coming days, and striker Georgi Minchev is among the transfer targets.
"Everyone is expecting new additions. We are focused on the players we have. We want to get to know their strengths and weaknesses. We have options, but it is important to analyze the possibilities of the current composition. Georgi Minchev is on our radar. We also watch other Bulgarian footballers, because this is part of CSKA's identity. We want the focus to be on the Bulgarians. Very soon we will introduce new players", said Stipich.
There is still no clarity regarding the future of the national player Ivan Turitsov, who has a contract until the end of the month.
"Ivan Turitsov is still at CSKA. He is wanted by other clubs. "Sometimes you need to clear your head to make the best decision," said the Croatian specialist.
Stipic is confident that he will find the right path for the development of the team.
"We have to go step by step, build a solid foundation with which we can win. Every goal, every victory is important because it lifts the mood of the players, the fans, the media", said the coach.
"Everything starts with me as a coach and things depend on me. I have to convince the players of my views. We have to concentrate on work, fulfill our goals, go for them, I don't want to look for excuses that we won't play in our stadium. I have been in football for 18 years now and no club is perfect. I'm happy to be here, I know how to work, to find the right way to deal with all the obstacles that we will encounter," he added.
Norwegian midfielder Jonathan Lindseth revealed his first impressions of Stipić and spoke about his ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
"We have been preparing for a week now. The coach arrived with great desire and energy and I believe we will work well with him. We are now concentrating on physical training. In Bansko, we will emphasize more on tactical activities. I'm feeling really good, in good shape and I'm just about to get into even better shape,'' said Lindseth.
"We are looking forward to the start of the new season. We all know how the last one ended and we're not happy. I hope things will change with the new coach. We know we have a lot of work ahead of us. Personally, I want to show my best. To improve in every respect and help the team win," he added.