CSKA Sofia set for Tactical Shift in Crucial Ludogorets Clash
Sofia, Bulgaria – new CSKA Sofia manager Hristo Yanev is poised to implement a tactical change for his second match in charge, a pivotal upcoming contest against league leaders Ludogorets. According to reports from Theme sport, Yanev will abandon the 4-4-2 formation used in his debut against Lokomotiv sofia, opting instead for a more midfield-focused 4-2-3-1 setup.
The shift in formation aims to bolster CSKA’s presence in the centre of the pitch, a perceived weakness in recent performances. While Ioannis Pitz is expected to retain his starting position - having featured in the last two matches against Botev Vratsa and Lokomotiv Sofia – his contributions haven’t yet translated into victories, with both games ending in 1-1 draws.
Yanev faces a key decision regarding his forward line. He is weighing whether to deploy the Cypriot international as the central striker, possibly benching Santiago Godoy, or to utilize Godoy in the central role and position Pitz as a winger. This dilemma stems from a lack of established options on the flanks.
CSKA currently relies heavily on Mohammed brahimi for width, alongside the developing talents of Ilian antonov and Ivan Tasev. However, Brahimi’s position within the squad is increasingly precarious following a critical assessment from Yanev after his performance against Lokomotiv Sofia.
“The double substitution involving Mohammed Brahimi wasn’t a reflection of his attacking potential, but rather his inability to retain possession,” Yanev stated, visibly frustrated. “We brought him on to exploit Lokomotiv’s defensive vulnerabilities, but he ultimately created more problems for us.”
As an inevitable result, Brahimi is unlikely to feature in the starting eleven against Ludogorets and may even find himself excluded from the matchday squad altogether.
The tactical adjustments and potential personnel changes signal Yanev’s intent to quickly imprint his vision on the team as CSKA Sofia prepares for a challenging encounter against a formidable opponent.
Keywords: CSKA sofia, Hristo Yanev, Ludogorets, Bulgarian Football, Soccer, Tactics, Formation, Mohammed
