Matthaeus Leaves Bojinov Out of Bulgaria Squad for Estonia Friendly

Lothar Matthaeus (M) especially demanded that a European team be chosen for the upcoming friendly, as he wishes to prepare his squad for its next official clashes. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria new coach Lothar Matthaeus has once again left Parma striker Valeri Bojinov out of the squad for the upcoming friendly football against Estonia.

Lothar Matthaeus dropped Bojinov for his first match in charge at the beginning of October after watching the striker play against Fiorentina in Serie A.

The move was surprising as Bojinov was expected to be the key player Lothar Matthaeus will rely on after failing to convince Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to return to the squad.

This time Matthaeus has unexpectedly recalled Kaiserslautern striker Iliyan Mitsanski, who has just one match in the national team, for the friendly game against Estonia, which will be played in Antalya, Turkey, on February 9 2011.

The Bulgarian national team's coach and renown former German international especially demanded that a European team be chosen, as he wishes to prepare his squad for its next official clashes.

Bulgaria's next official game will be against Switzerland on March 26 2011 as a part of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

The Balkan squad stands hardly any chances of qualifying for the tournament. In the qualifiers' Group G, Bulgaria is currently fourth among five teams, with one win from three games. The other teams in the group are Montenegro, England and Wales.

Estonia may still qualify from Group C, currently headed by Italy.

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