Lothar Matthaeus: Dismissal No News, Wish Bulgaria All the Best

"I don't bear Bulgarians any grudge, I hope they won't either,” Lothar Matthaeus told local Trud daily in his first comment after his dismissal as Bulgaria’s soccer team coach. Photo by BGNES

Lothar Matthaeus, who was fired on Monday as Bulgaria coach over poor results and fierce opposition from the dressing room, kept his cool – as usual – after hearing the news, which he said came as no surprise.

"This is just how football business works. The results we received were not satisfactory and this is absolutely clear to me. The football is such a game that if the team is not performing well, the coach must face the music," the former German international star told local Trud daily in his first comment after his dismissal.

"I don't bear Bulgarians any grudge, I hope they won't either. I have always been honest to the President of the Football Union, the players, the media, the coaches and everyone in Bulgaria. I've told them honestly what I think when they have asked for my opinion. I have not been brushing under the carpet this or that."

While Bulgarian football officials legalized their divorce with Lothar Matthaeus, the German legend was VIP guest with his latest girlfriend Joanna Tuchinska at the Munich Oktoberfest. Local media are wondering whether he has proposed a toast after hearing the news from Sofia.

Matthaeus has repeatedly criticized Bulgarian players, saying that many of them fail to live up to his standards and expectations, and that they have an unrealistically high self-confidence.

Mihail Madanski, who is in charge of Bulgaria's Under-21 internationals, will take over the team as an interim coach. Afterwards, a new coach will be appointed, with Lyuboslav Penev, the nephew of the country's most successful manager in history, Dimitar Penev, tipped as a strong favorite. Lyuboslav Penev is currently managing Bulgarian champions Litex Lovech.

On Friday, it was reported that the other contender for the job is former Bulgarian midfielder Krasimir Balakov.

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