The coach of “Botev” Dushan Kerkez commented on the victory over “Levski” with 1:0 in Plovdiv:
“The players showed character. It is very difficult to play against Levski, who play very direct football. We controlled the ball well. We were sure that we would have scoring situations. The competitors know that they have qualities. After staying with ten men we showed even more energy and I think we played very well. Thanks to the fans for the fantastic atmosphere.
We have made a lot of growth since the start of the season. We are working on not conceding easy goals, on having concentration and discipline. I replaced Nikola Iliev because Atanas Chernev had to enter Tam’s position as a central defender. We are a team. A football player cannot be responsible for a win or a loss by himself. We are all behind Jonas Tam (the Estonian received a red card).
Ivelin Popov is more than the captain of the team. We know what he can bring to the team. We know what this match means to him and what motivation he has. Only respect for him as a professional. He’s a big character and that’s why he’s had such a big career.”