Berbatov says United teammates in for hot Bulgaria reception

BULGARIA captain Dimitar Berbatov has warned his Manchester United team-mates John O’Shea and Darron Gibson to expect a hostile atmosphere when the Republic of Ireland play their World Cup qualifier in Sofia on Saturday.

“I have been speaking about the game a lot to both John and Darron, as we are together a lot of the time at United,” Berbatov said after training yesterday.

“They have told me that Ireland will come and win in Sofia, but I told them the opposite. It’s a big game and both teams want to win, but I can tell them that on the pitch there will be no friendship. Everyone will be trying their hardest.”

There is the accusation that Berbatov, who joined United after a stellar spell at Tottenham where he linked up excellently with Irish skipper Robbie Keane, does not always try his hardest, especially in international matches. But he countered that recently by claiming that it’s because he makes the game look so easy that he is misunderstood as not trying. “I know people sometimes think I don’t care. Trust me. I do,” he said. “I get frustrated and if I don’t play well I am very disappointed.”

Berbatov has also urged the Bulgarian fans to pack out the Vassil Levksi national stadium. “I am sure the fans will come in numbers and will fill the stadium,” he continued. “If we win, it will be great because we will improve our chances of reaching the World Cup finals next year.

“Our coach Stanimir Stoilov will decide which position I will play. We will talk about that and we will decide which position will be best for me against the Republic of Ireland. The most important thing is to play well and win this game,” he added.

Berbatov also banished any fears that he will be suffering from a Champions League hangover next weekend, after playing in his second European final and finishing on the losing side again. “It is very hard to accept defeat in the most important final,” he said. “This is my second defeat on such an occasion, and I just hope I will get a third chance and win it. Barcelona were the better team in Rome and won. I think the season has been successful for me. Next season we will be favourites in all competitions again: after all, Manchester United is the biggest team in the world.”