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Bruno Akrapovich became the second coach to lead Lokomotiv PD and CSKA this century. Until this week, the only manager in the last 20 years to lead the Blue and White and Reds was Alexander Stankov. The son of army legend Boris Stankov has three terms as a senior at CSKA. In the 2013/14 season he directed Loko PD. In spring 2019, he was Lauta’s technical and sports consultant for three months and worked with Akrapovich as the Smurfs won the first of two consecutive cups in the country. Before “Tema Sport”, Stankov commented on the coaching cast of “Army” and shared his thoughts on his Bosnian colleague, of whose work he has direct impressions.
Mr. Stankov, were you surprised by Akrapovich’s appointment as director of CSKA?
– Akrapovich’s move from “Lauta” to “Army” is not something sensational for me. Rather, Lokomotiv fans accept it in a more sensitive way. For Akrapovich, the results speak for themselves, he accomplished a lot and looking sober, this is a normal move for any coach looking for a bigger challenge. He’s right about himself and seizes the moment that may not happen again in his career. The affection of the fans of both teams is very concrete and that is why this case is overexposed as a betrayal. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you can’t help making people feel betrayed. However, I want to open a bracket: Krusharski’s role in the development of Akrapovich, to be honest, is great, because he insisted on it. In difficult times, even when he was at the club, there was a major attack on the coach, but the owner absolutely rejected all criticism and kept him in office. That was the key to his success at Lokomotiv. Tolerance at CSKA is much lower, but when choosing a coach, you have to give him enough time and a chance to show what he can do. It does not happen in 4-5 months.
What qualities did you notice in Akrapovich in those 4 months when you worked together on “Lauta”, which can also help you on “Army”?
– Akrapovich adapts very well to the situation in Bulgaria, he is still a Balkan man. He did not succumb to pressure from many sides. He firmly followed his working principles. There were things that were not specific to Bulgaria and other countries, but he defended them. The players got used to his demands, although at one point they also had some disagreement with the way he worked, but he won it without considering the attacks against him. He achieved his goal and the results came.
Will you be able to transfer your views for the job to CSKA as well?
– The “Army” is different, but I suppose it will not deviate from its principles. The question is how much tolerance there will be in this regard in a club like CSKA.
Many wonder if he will have the freedom to impose his methods …
“That too, yes.” How the individual units of the club will fit together is important. But once you’ve been chosen as a coach, you should have the necessary support. It will not be easy for him to defend his principles at CSKA. It has to be pretty solid, which is his style of work, but it also depends on the people at the top of the club.
It is practice for most new players to go through a trial period. Will it be the same at CSKA?
– Honestly, it will also be interesting for me (laughs). Hope they solve this problem. I hope you have more freedom to choose the players who come to the team. In principle, it is not a problem for the scouts and those responsible for the selection to lead and offer players to the coach, but in the end you must decide if you want the player or not and if he is suitable for the style you impose.
How long should I receive Akrapovich?
– There have been a lot of manager changes at CSKA, so there should be a longer period of patience for him. During this season you will hardly be able to fully develop your ideas and the fruits will only be harvested next year. But if he doesn’t succeed in the stream, it won’t be good for him, there must be a trophy. The glass is the mandatory minimum, in my opinion.
Finally, what would you advise Akrapovich about his work at CSKA?
– Be as it is, but bear in mind that CSKA is a very big club. The expectations for him here will be higher.
CSKA, it will be difficult without a scorer …
That person must be found
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