Sofia: If Bulgaria slip up against Montenegro on Saturday in their Group Eight World Cup qualifier they can forget about reaching the 2010 finals, coach Stanimir Stoilov said.
"The match against Montenegro is extremely important," he told a news conference. "If we win, we'll keep our chances of qualifying but if we lose, or even if we can't win, it's all over for us."
Bulgaria, who visit world champions Italy on Sept. 9, are still undefeated in the group but have dropped too many points by drawing five of their six games so far.
Stoilov's side are third in the standings with eight points. Italy are top on 14 from six, followed by Ireland with 13 points from seven matches.
"My biggest concern is that a lot of our players don't play regularly for their clubs but still I hope they'll be focused and do their duties," Stoilov added.
Bulgaria must face Montenegro and Italy without injured right back Zhivko Milanov and Croatian-born central defender Igor Tomasic, who turned down a call-up saying he was not fit.
The 42-year-old Stoilov resigned as coach of Bulgarian Cup winners Litex Lovech on Friday following their defeat in a Europea League playoff but said his failure at club level won't hamper the national team's preparations.
"I separate my activities at the club and at the national team," he said. "I have failed to qualify Litex for the Europa League's group stages but I see no reason to worry about the Bulgarian team."
Stoilov said he had allowed Manchester City winger Martin Petrov to join the Bulgaria camp a day later because the winger expects to leave the English Premier League side on Monday.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, September 01, 2009, 09:08