Formerโข CSKA Captain Bodurov โคCriticizes Coach Yanev‘s Tactics and Questionsโฃ Lapenya‘s Fitness
CSKA sofia coach Hristo Yanev’s approach โขprioritizes avoiding defeat over proactive play, according to former โCSKA captain Nikolay Bodurov, who also sharply criticized the physical condition and suitability of current team captain, Petar Lapenya. Bodurov’s comments,made on the Championsโข Games podcast,stem from his โprior working relationship with Yanev and a critical assessment of the currentโ CSKA squad.
The remarks come after CSKA’s recent derby win, but Bodurov suggests underlying issues remain that could hinder long-term success. His critique focusesโค onโ Yanev’s perceived defensive mindset and Lapenya’s perceived lack of physical presence,โข raising questions about CSKA’s ability to compete effectively โขboth domestically and potentially โin European competitions.
Bodurov, who played alongside Yanev at Litex and under him at Pirin three seasons โฃago, stated, “For me,โค Itso Yanev went intoโ the match not to lose it. I have worked with him โขand I know.” He acknowledged Yanev inherited a struggling team, adding, “Yanev took over CSKA at a time when the team could not โคbe worse, that was the truth. Everyone was beating them. And whichever coach hadโค come, there would have been a change.” Bodurov credited Yanev’s psychological skills,โ describing him as “a psychologist and more ofโ a manipulator – he can get the most out of the players, make them give themselves.”
Though,Bodurov expressed doubt about Yanev’s long-term strategy. “I don’t think his style โof play will bring any great success.โฃ For me,the coach of CSKA should practice moreโ offensive football.” He contrasted Yanev’s approach with that of former coach Nestor El Maestro, noting that a defensive style might be acceptable for European competition but is unlikely to satisfy CSKAโค fans in the Bulgarian league. “In Bulgaria if you wait with some ‘Army’ team, they will boo youโฃ at the 20th minute.”
The most pointed criticism was reserved for Lapenya, the team’s captain. “Lapenya has no qualities for CSKA,” Bodurov asserted. “He may be a very good boy, ableโข to pass the ball, but there is no way to be a centralโ defender and be 45 kilograms.” Bodurov suggested Yanev’s decision to playโค with three defenders was influenced by Lapenya’s physical limitations, stating, “Sangare would have carried him on his back. He is slow,physicallyโข weak,he is very good with the ball,but without it – no.”
