Emil Velev is a pleasant conversationalist at any time, and what's left before Bulgaria's #1 match. He has won it many times as a player, and then as an assistant and head coach. With him, Levski became champion for the last time in 2009. Here's what he said to “Tema Sport“, not bothering to answer Stoycho Mladenov.
Mr. Velev, it's time for the eternal derby again. What can we expect from the match on Sunday?
– The best match! Both for Levski and CSKA, and for all of Bulgaria! That's why there will be many fans who will fill the stadium. My expectations are not that high because of the state of both teams. I can't say that they are very strong, but they are not that weak either. However, the derby gives a different charge and I think it will be a very contested match. One that will be decided by one goal. Naturally, my wish is for Levski to win. Yes, the Blues are in a more disadvantageous situation before the clash, especially psychologically, since they were eliminated from the Black Sea Cup. That was quite unpleasant. While the other team - CSKA, qualified ahead after a victory over Arda. They may be more motivated. But in the derby you don't know what can happen, because the current form doesn't matter.
If you were at “Gerena“ now, what would you say to the players? You are a well-known motivator, and you have a lot of derbies behind you as a player, assistant and head coach…
– I know what to tell them, but… The problem against Cherno More is that we saw 10 foreigners on the field in Levski's squad. They can't understand what the nature of the derby is, what it means for the fans. They came to get their salary. To have a game, and if they win, they'll also get a bonus. That's why they're here. And it's unlikely that anyone will be able to impress the importance of this match on their minds in a short time. For me, Julio Velasquez should play with more Bulgarians against CSKA. This is my advice to him. Because on the other side of the barricade there will probably be 11 foreigners. And if Velasquez puts 4-5-6 Bulgarians, it will be wonderful. And the chance of Levski winning will be very high. He should bet on native players!
So what do you say to the Bulgarians about the clash with CSKA?
– It doesn't take many words. They know that they are going out and they have to leave their heart on the field. That for this audience, they play at maximum speed to achieve victory. That is, not many words are needed. Because our boys realize the importance of the derby. And they often excel right in it. If Velasquez approaches it like this, there will be success. But it shouldn't be like against the Black Sea - only legionnaires... It's a little funny that Levski has only one Bulgarian in the squad, and Kristian Dimitrov is on the bench. Mitkov wasn't in the group, but he could easily start. Marin Petkov was replaced 30 minutes before the end. Why? He simply had to be changed in position or made to play in a different way, but not taken out... Didn't the coach talk to them at halftime? Apparently he didn't tell them anything.
How do you think Levski is doing under Julio Velasquez and what did the Spaniard change, besides the game plan?
– That's all there is to it - the system. Having seen the cup match, I can safely say that nothing has changed since the fall. Quite the opposite. Relegation, what can I say...
That he and the players need to tighten up?
– This is mandatory. Otherwise it won't happen! Otherwise, it's bad writing.
What impresses you about CSKA's game? Alexander Tomas said that the team will be much better in the spring - do you see that?
– No. I see the same team, the same people with small differences. Yes, they took the top scorer Ioannis Pitas, who can play at a high level, his class is different. But he will also need time to get used to it.
Who would you single out from Levski? Who can make the difference in the derby?
– Marin Petkov!
Have you changed your opinion about Mustafa Sangare? Some time ago in front of “Tema Sport“ you said that he “falls from the wind“…
– It's nothing special. I can't change my opinion, how can I do it? Basically, he hasn't scored since then… El Jemili passes well, but we see that Sangare has a hard time scoring goals. Which is a problem!
We spoke with Stoycho Mladenov before the derby, who said that currently “there is a blue silence“. Can Levski refute it?
– Wait, wait. I can answer Stoycho: “And the red silence? What is the red silence? With so many millions of euros spent on players and eighth place in the standings!“. What more can we say? Blue silence, whatever…
And what do you remember from the clashes as a football player against him?
– That I jumped over them on the pitch, that's what I remember. I even had a hard time remembering their names, that's how I played!