Lothar Matthaeus Denies Facing Bulgaria Red Card

German coach Lothar Matthaeus has harshly criticized Bulgarian players, saying that many of them fail to live up to his standards and expectations. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Former German international star Lothar Matthaeus has denied his future as Bulgaria's football team coach is hanging in the balance in the wake of the squad's deplorable performance.

"We have a verbal agreement [that my contract will be extended], sealed with a handshake. For me this carries as much weight as a written agreement. Yes, we lost two games and this is serious. Now the president is under pressure and I understand that. But for me it is perfectly clear that my contract will be extended until 2013.  Gentlemen never retreat from their promises. So I am calm," Lothar Matthaeus told reporters in Germany.

His statement came in the wake of international media reports that the German coach will be kicked out of Bulgaria following the humiliating defeat of the team in the clashes against England and Switzerland.

The president of Bulgaria's Football Union Borislav Mihaylov said last week he and Matthaeus have already discussed the possibility of renewing the contract by two years, but are due to meet and discuss the issue once again.

The German's future is expected to be decided at a secret meeting of the union within days.

Bulgarian Football Union vice-president Yordan Lechkov has passionately recommended Lyubo Penev to lead the national team in the next four years.

Penev is former Valencia and Atletico Madrid striker and coach of football club Litex Lovech.

The much-traveled Matthaeus replaced in September 2010 Stanimar Stoilov, who quit after Euro 2012 qualifying defeats to England, and more damagingly, Montenegro. He signed a one-year deal with an option for two more years at the helm.

So far, though, Matthaeus' coaching career hasn't come close to emulating his glory days on the pitch.

His biggest challenge was to try to salvage Bulgaria's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 and though this has proved to be mission impossible, the country seems to want to keep the German coach after that too.

Bulgaria have lost even theoretical chances to qualify to Euro 2012 after getting defeated 3:1 by Switzerland in Basel Tuesday night.

The German coach attributed the deplorable performance of the squad in the clash against Switzerland to individual lapses and lack of concentration.

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