Dimitar is in the doghouse

Views on BG | October 17, 2008, Friday // 00:00

The Sun

By ANTONY KASTRINAKIS

ENGLAND'S players may be raving about Dimitar Berbatov but his international future with Bulgaria is hanging by a thread.

The Manchester United striker was awful in Wednesday's 0-0 World Cup qualifier away to Georgia and not much better in Saturday's goalless draw against Italy.

Angry Bulgarian supporters were waiting at Sofia airport yesterday morning and threw eggs and toilet rolls at Berbatov and his team-mates, including Manchester City's Martin Petrov and Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov.

Berbatov, in particular, has been slammed for his poor performances and there are rumours in Bulgaria that the United man could quit international football.

Boss Plamen Markov slaughtered Berba after the shock midweek draw with Group Eight underdogs Georgia.

Markov said: "Berbatov was very far from his real qualities. If somebody doesn't want to play for Bulgaria he will not be picked."

Even Berba said: "I played very poorly."

The United striker may now be dropped from next month's friendly with Serbia.
His week had started badly after he came under fierce attack from Bulgarian FA vice-president Yordan Lechkov for running just 2km in Saturday's game against Italy.
Lechkov said: "Berbatov's job is to score goals and Bulgaria to win games.

"Berbatov ran just 2,000m against Italy when normally a player runs between 9,000 and 10,000m during 90 minutes. Berbatov is the captain and must lead the team, he has to give his best on the pitch."

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