Alexander Stankov: Levski Won’t Win Title, Ludogorets to Reign & CSKA to Lift Cup

Former CSKA Sofia manager Alexander Stankov is predicting a familiar outcome in Bulgarian football: Ludogorets as league champions and CSKA Sofia lifting the Bulgarian Cup. The outspoken coach also believes that Levski Sofia will fall short in their pursuit of the title, settling for a less desirable outcome.

Stankov, who was the first guest on the new podcast “Sporten Taralej,” anticipates his prediction regarding Levski will stir debate among their supporters. He expressed confidence in CSKA Sofia’s ability to win the Cup, while also forecasting a third-place finish for CSKA 1948. His comments reach as the Bulgarian First League season approaches its critical stages.

Beyond on-field predictions, Stankov emphasized the crucial need for infrastructure development within Bulgarian football. He specifically highlighted the importance of completing the new “Bulgarian Army” stadium for CSKA Sofia, believing it will significantly boost the club’s atmosphere and fan engagement. “The most important thing is to build the new ‘Bulgarian Army’ stadium, which will change a lot of the situation at the club. More fans will come to the stands. In our country, we need to turn things around, first build stadiums and bases, and then look for results on the field,” Stankov stated.

Stankov’s assessment of Levski Sofia’s struggles centers on the performance of their key player, Julio Velasquez, in high-stakes matches. He noted a concerning pattern of inconsistency from Velasquez in crucial games, suggesting it’s a recurring issue for both Levski and CSKA. “I can’t guess Julio Velasquez in responsible matches. In Levski and CSKA, they must be won. This is mandatory. Velasquez is a good coach, but he makes mistakes in these duels,” Stankov explained. This critique points to a potential weakness that opponents may exploit as the season progresses.

Interestingly, Stankov also suggested that Ludogorets may have underestimated the league this season, operating under the assumption that their past successes would continue without significant effort. This perceived complacency, according to Stankov, could create opportunities for other teams to challenge their dominance, although he still ultimately favors Ludogorets to secure the championship.

The former CSKA Sofia manager’s comments follow a recent 3-0 defeat for CSKA Sofia against Ludogorets, a result that Stankov acknowledged highlighted a clear difference in quality between the two sides. Speaking to “Match Telegraph,” he lamented the loss, stating, “I really wanted CSKA to win, but it didn’t happen, unfortunately. There is a difference in class, and that proved to be decisive. It’s not sizeable, but it’s there. In every respect, they were superior to us and won.” He conceded that despite a significant investment in new players, CSKA Sofia still has work to do to close the gap with Ludogorets.

Stankov believes Ludogorets demonstrated composure and finesse in their victory, capitalizing on defensive errors from CSKA Sofia. He also acknowledged that CSKA Sofia’s hopes for the league title are diminishing, shifting their focus to the Bulgarian Cup as a realistic target. He further suggested that Levski Sofia’s chances of winning the title are also fading, despite the relatively small point difference between them and Ludogorets.

The predictions from Alexander Stankov offer a compelling perspective on the current state of Bulgarian football. His emphasis on infrastructure development, coupled with his critical assessment of key players and team performances, provides valuable insight for fans and analysts alike. While his forecasts may ruffle feathers among Levski supporters, they are rooted in a deep understanding of the league and the dynamics between its top clubs. The coming months will determine whether Stankov’s predictions hold true, as the battle for the Bulgarian First League title and the Bulgarian Cup intensifies.