CSKA and Neftochimic 2010 coaches Aleksandar Popov and Ivan Stanev expect a contested semi-final for the Winbet Bulgarian Supercup. The two teams will meet tomorrow (October 17) in 'Levski Sofia' hall, and the winner will qualify for Sunday's final.
"In my opinion, no one can say they are absolutely ready at the start of the season. We had normal preparation, played enough control matches. We have new players, and we have young ones, who I hope will gain experience during the championship period," said Aleksandar Popov.

The 'reds' coach confirmed that Dimitar Dimitrov, who returned from Greece, will be registered in time for the semi-final, but his participation remains questionable.
"We will do everything possible to stop the trend in matches against Neftochimic. Whatever words we use, tomorrow after the match will be the real conclusions about the preparation and current condition," Popov added.
He also paid special attention to the 17-year-old setter Nikola Velikov, from whom he expects development during the season.
"I don't consider Dimitrov as such an important or fundamental case in our team. Our young setter is more interesting. We hope that what he hinted at last year and showed in preparation, he will demonstrate throughout the championship," commented the specialist.
CSKA captain Stoyko Nenchev assured that all players are healthy and the team is in good form.
In the Neftochimic camp, the mood is also optimistic after a successful pre-season preparation. Burgas recorded seven victories in control matches, including against CSKA.
"We had a month and a half of preparation and I think we are ready. We know that at the beginning of the season all four teams will not show their optimal performance, but we all deserve to be here," said Ivan Stanev.

The coach of the Bulgarian Cup winner emphasized that the success against CSKA in the control matches will not be decisive for the upcoming clash.
"Although we beat them, the match will not be the same tomorrow. CSKA also played a tournament after our control match. We know each other very well and the final outcome will depend on who is better prepared," Stanev explained.
The specialist is also pleased with the signing of Todor Valchev, who also left Greek Aris. The receiver has already participated in two checks against Beroe and is gradually adapting to the playing system of Burgas.
"With each passing day, he adapts to our system. He will only be beneficial for the team," Stanev was categorical.
Neftochimic captain Stefan Chavdarov attributed the good results to the preliminary physical preparation and expressed hope that the team will maintain its level from last season.
"Given the opponents, we legitimately achieved seven victories. I hope these matches will give us confidence. With the new setter Vladi Stankov, we have played together in CSKA as well. He likes to play through the middle, which is good for us, the middle blockers," said Chavdarov.
CSKA enters the semi-final with the confidence of winning the pre-season 'Boris Gyuderov' Cup tournament in Pernik. However, the upcoming match will be the first official test for both teams in the new season.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov