Enjoying our football
Party time
Predrag saw my worried face in the parking and suggested me we with the whole team to the local clubs and enjoy the win. I knew it is a tradition for the Bulgarian players to do such things, but I wasn't very sure if this is a good move.
"Tonight we are going to party as a team, lads", Predrag shouted and everyone instantly replayed with a possitive shout.
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The party was on fire and the guys were happy. I went to Predrag and told him I was very happy with his contribution today and his 40 meters goal from a free kick.
- Let me give you an advice, boss.
- I am listening.
- After the scandal with the national team, when their manager Lothar Matheus was trying to adapt a high discpline, but found some of the players in the clubs, every player in Bulgaria was ashamed. The fans were judging us when they see us partying. So let these guys know that we can party after a win and you will have a happier squad and even a motivated one.
I immediately went to the DJ and announced it. The guys were so happy that they grabbed me on their hands and were shouting "Dobrudzha!Dobrudzha!"
Tactical training
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Next day I planned only a tactical training because of our small party. I expected some hangover, but we couldn't slack. I had some problems with injuries and I had to decide them. We watched few games and key moments I had prepared of our next opposition, Neftohimik. I dismissed the team and kept only Filip Florov and Mihail Paskalev. Filip was some of the players I approached to sign few days ago, because of the injury of Nikolay Iliev, my first choice as a LWB. Filip was not very comfortable with that position, he was a natural LB and was accomplished the RB. We had few days training this new role for Filip and I wanted to give him some additional tips and particular advises for the player he had to mark at the next match.
Mihail Paskalev (Misho) was going to be picked as a substitute in the next match. He was young and out of contract, but his loyalty to the club was keeping him in the squad and he wanted just to train with us.
"Listen, I will get you in the group for the next match and you might have a chance to prove yourself and show me why you deserve a contract with us. If you do well, you will help me convincing the board to increase the pay-roll budged and you will be the first person I will sign". Misho was delighted.
20 Aug - Cherveno Zname, Burgas
Prematch Press Conference Media Commentary: Ibryam shuns defensive mentality
Dobrudzha 1919 Dressing Room:Neftohimik were favorites, especially when playing at home. The pressure among the players was high. I wanted to boost their confidence before this match and I was a bit cocky in the press conference. I decided to keep it simple and just wish them luck for the game. I went to Pavlin and Nedko and told them that I have faith in their abilities and I rely on them. They were happy.
Match
The first half started nervously. My players were trying to control the game but few times their wingers cough us off position which resulted in few yellow cards. In one of their counters their MR, Stamen Angelov, outrun the unconvincing Filip Florov, who was a bit forward than he should be and scored with a long shot. It was 1:0 for Naftata. Pavlin Todorov had few chances but being off the field for a while resulted in missed opportunities. His confidence was low.
The lads were back in the dressing room and I told them they were unlucky. Their body language showed that they reacted positively. I had to talk to Pavlin again, showing my faith in his ability.
The second half started with us being in control, despite playing away from home.
- Filip is not comfortable on the field and Neftohimik are pushing players forward. We might get a second goal. - my assistant adviced me.
- I have a brilliant solution for this. I was just waiting them to get in this trap!
Neftohimik were playing in a slow tempo and although they were trying to abuse the flanks they were reliant on their deep playmaker. I wanted to substitute Filip for a Defensive Midfielder.
"Come here Todor!", I shouted to my young Defensive Mid who was perfect for this Italian job. "Do you see their playmaker, Mitko Trendafilov (a famous Bulgarian player with a long carrier)? I want you to go and eat him. No matter how big his dig is, he is 41 years old. I want you to hassle him, I want you to breath his air, I want you to anticipate every pass they try to give him. No matter how deep he drops to get the ball you will track him. Seriously, I have a faith in your abilities! Now go and warm up, you will need to run a lot today!"
After the change the game turned around. Todor blocked one pass and passed shortly to Nedko who found Pavlin wandering in front of the penalty area. "Oh, God, he will try a long shot", I tought. "DON'T", I shouted, but Pavlin was in another opinion and later I would have explained him how I did not believe how he would have scored. It was 1-1.
"Go back to a counter strategy and be careful with the tackles! I don't want stupid fouls or a red card", I shouted from the touch line. We had a good result and I wanted to keep it. But my players did not agree. At 72nd minute Nedko and Pavlin made a quick one-two which gave enough space for Nedko to advance deeper and shoot. It was 2:1 for us already. I could not believe it, I was one of the happiest managers out there in the moment. This is why my final pep talk was that I am glad with their comeback.
Media
The Burgas Football Reviewer:Ilknur Ibryam is trilled with the comeback.
Stoichev (Neftohimik Head Coach): Ilknur is a good coach and I don't think he will have problem keeping Dobrudzha away from relegation.
Ilknur Ibryam: I am confident avoiding the relegation and I appreciate Dimitar Stoichev's comment.