Speculations that the future of former German international star Lothar Matthaeus as Bulgaria's football team coach is hanging in the balance have been fueled by local media reports.

Next month's euro qualifier against Wales will most likely be Lothar Matthaeus' last match at the helm of the Bulgarian national team, Standard daily reported.

According to the report neither Bulgaria's Football Union, not Matthaeus himself want to see his contract extended by two years in the wake of the squad's deplorable performance.

German coach Lothar Matthaeus has repeatedly criticized Bulgarian players, saying that many of them fail to live up to his standards and expectations.

The tension between him and the players however was fueled by two recent alcohol-related scandals and the coach decision to leave out of the squad experienced footballers in crucial matches.

Bulgarian Football Union vice-president Yordan Lechkov has passionately recommended Lyubo Penev to lead the national team in the next four years.

Penev is former Valencia and Atletico Madrid striker and coach of football club Litex Lovech.

The other contender for the job is said to be legendary Bulgarian midfielder Krasimir Balakov.

Balakov, a former player of Portugal's Sporting and Germany's VfB Stuttgart, and a bronze medal winner with the Bulgarian national football team in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, is currently coaching Croatia's top team Hajduk.

Bulgaria have now lost even theoretical chances to qualify to Euro 2012 after getting defeated by Switzerland in Basel Tuesday night.

Bulgaria remains fourth out of 5 in qualifying group G with 5 points, losing any hopes to make it even to the second place.

Switzerland next plays away to Wales on Oct. 7, and Bulgaria welcomes the Welsh four days later.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!