Bulgaria bullish despite managerial upheaval ahead of Ireland showdown

15 October 2024; Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev before the UEFA Nations League C match between Northern Ireland and Bulgaria at National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev is adamant he feels “normal” despite tendering his resignation ahead of this week’s Uefa Nations League promotion/relegation playoff against Ireland.

Heavyweight domestic clubs have raised questions about the national team boss’s impartiality as he double-jobs at Varna-based club Cherno More, leading to his threat to quit.