Lokomotiv (Sofia) officially introduced Krasimir Balakov, who replaced Danilo Doncic as coach. The “Railwaymen” are fighting not to be relegated from the Efbet League, they are currently in 14th place, and on Sunday they visit Hebar in Pazardzhik.
“The dressing room is good, on the pitch it has to be even better to do our job. A coaching change always has an effect, as the players are focused, put into the training process and follow the instructions. The question is how quickly the players will be able to absorb what we want to give them as a way and style of play, correct some small things and be stronger mentally than what they have shown in recent games. It’s normal, because when you lose 3, 4, 5 matches in a row, then the mood collapses. In these 3-4 days, the boys showed that they have the capacity to regain their previous mental state and return unencumbered in their desire to win,” began Balakov.
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“I’ve been here for three days. What’s happening and what I see, I can’t explain why the team is in this state. The boys are disciplined, they work, they want, they put themselves into the training process. I haven’t been here before to know , has it been like that before. I’ve also been kicked out of clubs, so I don’t look back, I prefer to look forward and if I don’t like something, try to correct it,” continued the legend.
“What can we lose, what can I lose. Either way, the team is on a losing streak. Apart from trying to change things and bring light to the tunnel, nothing else can happen,” commented Balakov.
“For me, this is a challenge. I have participated in such challenges before, some I have won, others I have lost. If the championship is played correctly, loyally, without blows below the waist, which we know happens in Bulgaria, we will have no problems , even through a playoff, to stay in the Efbet League,” explained the former coach of CSKA 1948, Septemvri (Sf) and a number of other clubs.
“Luckily for me, there are only two players – Valentin Nikolov and Cardoso, with injuries, but from my first day they started training. Maybe I won’t be able to use them against Heber, but I think for the match with Eter, which is in 10 days, they will be ready,” informed Balakov.
The legend also said what made him accept to become the coach of Lokomotiv (Sf) – “My love for football and my friendship with the owner of the club Ivan Vasilev and the fact that the experience I have in such moments gives me faith that I can to save Lokomotiv from being relegated to the Second League”.
“For now, everything is calm. I hope, even if we can win or draw in all the games, with the effort and the charge of my players, we will give the fans the opportunity to support the team 200%. In these games, which are decisive, every Lokomotiv fan should keep his fingers crossed for the team and support it, and I believe Lokomotiv fans will do it,” Balakov addressed the supporters of the “Railwaymen”.
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