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Bulgaria completed preparations Friday for Saturday's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifying match against Türkiye, with newly appointed coach Alexander Dimitrov pledging an aggressive game plan to challenge the visitors.
The Bulgarian national team held its final training session at Vasil Levski National Stadium, where the Group E match will take place. The first 15 minutes of practice were open to media, featuring warm-up exercises, running drills and passing work before the squad shifted to closed-door tactical preparations.
"We're thinking of being more aggressive, we definitely want to put the Turkish team in a difficult position and we believe we will do that with our game," Dimitrov said at a pre-match press conference.
The encounter marks Dimitrov's first match since taking over the Bulgarian side, adding an element of uncertainty to a fixture where Türkiye historically has struggled on Bulgarian soil.
When asked if any Turkish player required special attention, the Bulgarian coach deflected attempts to single out individuals, though he acknowledged Real Madrid's Arda Guler's prominence.
"There are many stars in the Turkish team," Dimitrov said. "The individual perspective is not right, we consider them as a team. Arda Guler is very important in terms of media and his success, but this is not an individual matter."
Bulgaria goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov struck a confident tone despite the challenge ahead. "We have a very difficult match ahead of us," Mitov said. "We trust ourselves, we want to win this match by sticking to the tactics."
Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella acknowledged his team's poor away record in this matchup but expressed determination to reverse the trend. Historical statistics show Bulgaria with 10 victories compared to Türkiye's six wins in matches played in Bulgaria.
"We saw that the statistics are not in our favor," Montella said. "Since I arrived, we have achieved many firsts, we want to change history. Tomorrow we want to achieve another first."
The Italian coach faces pressure to restore confidence after Türkiye's heavy defeat to Spain in their previous qualifier. Montella drew comparisons to past tournament successes that followed difficult losses, referencing the 2002 World Cup and recent European Championship campaigns.
"Sometimes these kinds of results motivate us differently," Montella said. "We took all the lessons that needed to be learned, we will be on the field tomorrow to do our best."
Montella noted that the coaching change could provide Bulgaria with renewed energy. "We all know that a new coach will bring new excitement, we also know that they consider it a last chance," the Italian coach said. "We know that we will meet in a very hot atmosphere."
Türkiye enters the match hoping to bounce back with attacking options that have drawn international attention. Asked about rising star Can Uzun, whom German media recently highlighted as a missed opportunity for their national team, Montella emphasized the depth of talent at his disposal.
"Can Uzun is a very good player, one of our young talents," Montella said. "He started playing with me in the national team while playing in the second league. I think everyone knows how much we believe in him."
The coach noted that Turkish scouts attended six of Uzun's last eight matches, underlining the federation's commitment to the young forward. "We really are very lucky in this regard. We have a lot of offensive players," Montella added.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu is set to earn his 100th cap for Türkiye if he plays Saturday. Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir praised the Inter Milan midfielder's leadership qualities and predicted more records ahead.
"Hakan is a very good player, one of our country's most important and valuable players," Cakir said. "He is a leader in the team, our team captain. We see him as a leader."
Cakir said the team prepared thoroughly despite Bulgaria's recent coaching change and expressed determination to deliver a result that would make the country proud. The goalkeeper missed Türkiye's first two training sessions due to wrist discomfort but confirmed he is ready for Saturday's match.
"My coach kindly gave me two days off, I had the opportunity to rest," Cakir said. "Right now I feel good physically and mentally. If my coach gives me a duty, I want to do my best."
The goalkeeper addressed his recent form after conceding multiple goals in matches against Eintracht Frankfurt and Spain, followed by an improved performance against Liverpool.
"I think it's part of my job," Cakir said of managing difficult periods. "I always continued to do my best work, to work hard."
Montella revealed he has discussed the possibility of Turkish citizenship with federation officials, though he declined to specify what Turkish name he might adopt. "If it happens, I will be very honored, this is a matter of pride for me," Montella said. "We joked about the name a few times, but I don't say a name unless it becomes official."
Türkiye currently needs points to strengthen their position in Group E, with both direct qualification and playoff routes to the 2026 World Cup still in play.
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