Bulgaria's Iliev insists he has 'no worries' ahead of Ireland clash

Iliev is also the manager of Bulgarian outfit Cherno More. As a result, some of the other Bulgarian clubs have accused him of a biased national team selection.

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025 - 20:26

John Fallon

Bulgaria boss Ilian Iliev insists he has "no worries" ahead of their clash with the Republic of Ireland despite speculation that discontent around his position as national coach exists.

Iliev is also the manager of Bulgarian outfit Cherno More. As a result, some of the other Bulgarian clubs have accused him of having a biased view of national team selection.

The president of the FA also called for his resignation.

Iliev reportedly proposed stepping aside from his post, but his offer was rejected. Therefore, he remains in charge of the play-off that will determine which nation holds their place in Nations League B.

"I have been in situations like this before, we have no worries," Iliev said. "It's normal to have pressure for a game like this.

"We are happy to be together here. Once I am with the national team I have full concentration before the game and I am not worried about what is written in the press and the media.

"We are thinking about the future, not just about these two matches. I am sorry that such things are being written, much of it is not true.

"It is important that we are concentrated on the match tomorrow. It is an important match, against a good team, we have to enjoy it."