Теодор Иванов: Преди година никой не вярваше, че ще сме тук

**CSKA Sofia Defender Teodor Ivanov Comments on Europa League Exit**

*Bulgaria, 28 August 2026* – CSKA Sofia’s young centre‑back Teodor Ivanov spoke to the press after the club’s 0‑2 defeat to OFI Kriti, which eliminated the team from the UEFA Europa League. Ivanov identified a lack of goal‑scoring opportunities as the primary reason for the loss, but emphasized that the squad’s morale remains strong and that the team will approach upcoming domestic and European fixtures with a different mindset.

> “Perhaps we did not give everything we could, but I felt that we tried. The problem was that we did not create enough chances, especially goals,” Ivanov said.

When asked whether the team’s unity on the pitch was lacking, Ivanov responded that the collective spirit is “quite good” and that he does not consider the squad’s cohesion to be the cause of the defeat. He added that CSKA Sofia aims to “show a completely different face” in the Bulgarian First League and the UEFA Conference League.

Ivanov also addressed the overall balance of play against the Greek side, noting that CSKA missed several opportunities while OFI capitalised on four attempts, converting three into goals. He compared the performance to the earlier Europa League tie against Qarabağ, stating that “the luck was on the other side” and that the team “fell apart in the same way” in the second leg.

Regarding the impact of absent teammates, Ivanov said their presence would have added “class” to the side and could have altered the result.

Reflecting on the club’s progress over the past year, Ivanov recalled that “a year ago no fan thought we would be here.” He highlighted the effort and ambition shown by the squad, which secured a place in European competition but fell short of advancing further.

When questioned about the fans’ chants directed at head coach Saša Stojanović, Ivanov said he does not listen to the crowd and that “the fans will always express their dissatisfaction when the result is poor, which is understandable.”

Ivanov, who has been appointed second captain, concluded by stressing his personal commitment:

> “I try to give everything I have. Being named second captain is an honor, and I try to live up to it.”

CSKA Sofia will continue its European campaign in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League while simultaneously focusing on its performance in the efbet Liga.

Article and image source: telegraph.bg