Bulgaria New Coach Matthaeus: The Issue Berbatov Is Over

Sports | September 30, 2010, Thursday // 13:59
Bulgaria: Bulgaria New Coach Matthaeus: The Issue Berbatov Is Over Former German international Lothar Matthaeus speaks at a press conference during his presentation as new head coach of the Bulgarian national soccer team in Sofia, Bulgaria, 23 September 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov will stand by his decision to retire from international football and will not return to Bulgaria, new coach Lothar Matthaeus was quoted as saying on Thursday.

'The issue Berbatov is over ... I had several talks with him. But he is no longer willing to play for Bulgaria. I regret that a lot,' the German Matthaeus told Kicker sports magazine.

Dimitar Berbatov announced at the beginning of May his retirement from international football with immediate effect. He explained at the time that he had become "discouraged" by his performances for his country, dealing a heavy blow to the team.

The 29-year-old was captain of his country and scored a national record 48 goals in just 74 matches.

Lothar Matthaeus signed earlier this month a one-year deal with an option for two more years at the helm.

His next challenge will be to try to salvage Bulgaria's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 and he has recalled 18 overseas-based players in the squad for his first match in charge.

Bulgaria, beaten 4-0 by England at Wembley  at the beginning of September, lost 1-0 at home to Montenegro on September 7. The team visit Wales on October 8 in their next Euro 2012 qualifier.

'Victory is a must if we want to keep alive our hope of finishing second (to reach a playoff tie),' Matthaeus said.

'You must give the team the confidence back. That's what a player needs to perform well. You must take away the pressure and make them enjoy football."

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Tags: Lothar Matthaeus, Manchester United, national football team, Dimitar Berbatov, Matthaeus

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