Bulgaria Coach Stoilov: We Came to Wembley to Win

According to Stanimir Stoilov the lack of rest is to blame for England's dismal performance at the World Cup. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov has stated clearly he is hoping for a victory at Wembley on Friday evening as his side take on stressed-out England in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

"We will be happy not to lose but we are here to win," said Stoilov at his official press conference hours before the clash. "The pressure is a problem the players of England should deal with," he said. "The pressure is not only on Capello but also the players."

According to Stoilov the lack of rest is to blame for England's dismal performance at the World Cup.

"I was not very surprised by England's performance at the World Cup because the season here is very hard to deal with for the players," Stoilov said.

"That is the main reason that England did not do well at the World Cup and also the European Championships before that.

"The most important thing before a tournament like that is how to rest the players and prepare them for the coming games and not the training sessions.

"I would have allowed my players to have a rest. That is only my opinion. It is not my job to give advice to the FA.''

Stoilov was also asked about the temperament of Wayne Rooney, whose own relationship with the England fans has become strained following their critical reaction to recent performances. It is almost a year since Rooney scored for England.

"If Rooney is nervous because of his lack of goals and, if he is too aggressive, he should be punished – but that is the referee's job," said Stoilov. "I have to teach my players how to stop him on the pitch and not to provoke him. We didn't come here to defend. Bulgaria have a style and we won't change it because we are playing England."

Stoilov called on Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai and his fellow officials to stamp out any aggression Rooney might show towards his players.

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