Anatoly Nankov described CSKA's game against Ludogorets in the Bulgarian Cup final as cowardly. The former football player and coach, who spent a significant part of his career with the “army“ team, described their loss against the team from Razgrad as natural.
On the air of “Arena Sport“ on BNT, Nankov spoke about the future of the team from Sofia and whether Alexander Tomas should be replaced.
“Yes, the emotions have passed. Unfortunately, the beloved CSKA lost the match, I can say that it is natural. A month and a half ago, when a euphoria was created around the team, CSKA improved its performance in the Second Four. There was a mood, a desire to play, perhaps this made most of the team's supporters fill the National Stadium “Vasil Levski“. Everyone wanted CSKA to win the Bulgarian Cup, personally I thought that there was such an opportunity and quality in the team to beat Ludogorets. It didn't work out. Personally for me, and not only me, CSKA played too timidly. The tension perhaps came in more than expected and this incredible audience that supported, despite the bad match and the bad play of CSKA“, he made his analysis after the defeat of the “Reds“ in the dispute for the trophy earlier this week.
“It is a pleasure for all the players to play in front of such a full stadium. I hope all the stadiums are full, this should have a motivating effect, but perhaps it squeezed the CSKA players and the tension came in excess. I was convinced that CSKA could win because there are no inexperienced players. Most of them are of a good and mature age, so I was very surprised by the tension that accompanied the match“, he added.
The former coach commented on the selection and coaching position of Aleksandar Tomas in the capital camp.
„A lot of money was paid for good players, which should have brought class to the team. I don't remember CSKA buying such players for so much money. Every coach needs time, I am convinced of this, in order for the team to play well. You know that in Bulgaria most coaches are not given much chance, not to say none. They change every 3.4 months. I can't say whether Alexander Tomas should be replaced, the most important thing is for the management to make a good assessment of the past season“, said the former footballer.
“When Hristo Stoichkov speaks, you have to listen. He was extremely dissatisfied and in one sentence summed up what happened on the pitch. I think we have to listen to his words. Ludogorets' 14 consecutive titles have an impact on Levski and CSKA. Ludogorets laid the foundations for building a good and great team. It started investing in bases, not to mention the selections. This is something that CSKA is just starting to do in order to get closer to Ludogorets and, if possible, dethrone them. Regarding Levski, things are a little different there. The club is going through a period that CSKA was in before. It is betting on Bulgarian footballers, which is giving“, concluded Nankov.