CSKA Sofia sporting director Valentin Iliev stated following the club’s Europa League qualification victory over Qarabag that his sole focus is delivering maximum utility to the entire organization rather than just the technical staff. Iliev emphasized squad discipline and building domestic consistency under manager Hristo Yanev.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Transfer Window Flexibility: Sporting director Valentin Iliev confirmed that the club has not closed the door on incoming winter or late-window reinforcements if high-value targets emerge.
Bridging the Front Office and Tactical Execution
Following a dramatic penalty shootout victory that propelled CSKA Sofia past Qarabag and deeper into the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, sporting director Valentin Iliev addressed the media to outline the operational philosophy driving the club. Iliev wasted no time underscoring that institutional cohesion outweighs individual brilliance.
“Collective and discipline. That has always been at the foundation of CSKA,” Iliev said. While steering clear of deep tactical critiques regarding manager Hristo Yanev’s tactical setup—noting that the coaching staff handles on-pitch deployment—Iliev emphasized that the team’s defensive block and transition shape must translate directly to domestic league play.
But the tape from recent domestic outings tells a different story regarding consistency. Iliev pointedly noted: “Not only this duel today, our away match was also at a high level. We must turn this into consistency in the matches of the Bulgarian championship. When consistency and discipline are lacking, fluctuating results follow.”
Navigating Dual Roles and High-Stakes Personnel Decisions
Managing a historic football franchise brings unique pressures, a reality amplified for Iliev when his son, Teodor Ivanov, stepped up to take a crucial penalty during the dramatic European showdown. Balancing executive oversight with parental pride proved to be a singular challenge.
“I can’t even find words to describe it. On one hand, I am his supervisor, but I’m also his father. It’s difficult. I am proud of him, I believe in him a lot. I know he won’t let himself down, his teammates and the CSKA club, as well as me,” Iliev admitted regarding the tense moment.
| Metric / Focus Area | Status / Assessment | Executive/Managerial Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Europa League Progress | Advanced via penalty shootout over Qarabag | Valentin Iliev (Sporting Director) |
| Managerial Stability | Hristo Yanev backed publicly by front office | Hristo Yanev (Head Coach) |
| Transfer Window Posture | Open to incoming additions if profile fits | Active scouting & roster evaluation |
Addressing questions regarding his positioning near the technical bench during matches, Iliev maintained discretion. “There is a reason I watch the match by the bench. However, this is something I prefer to stay inside the club.”
Securing the Technical Staff and Looking Toward the Transfer Window
“I have the utmost respect for every person and fan’s opinion. In my head, when I used the word ‘the club,’ I work at CSKA. When I used the word ‘the club,’ I did not mean another club. When I draw the line, it is much more important what I can be useful for and contribute to so that it goes up,” Iliev explained.
Looking ahead at squad composition, Iliev echoed Yanev’s recent sentiments regarding roster additions. We haven’t locked the door, if something interesting appears and a footballer who deserves to be in CSKA, we are always ready for talks,” Iliev concluded.
