SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 9 hrs 24 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Warren Feeney warns Northern Ireland not to underestimate Bulgaria

:Headline: Warren Feeney warns Northern Ireland not to underestimate Bulgaria: ID:441162: from db_amp
Bulgaria are under a new boss in Yasen Petrov.

Former Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney has warned that Bulgaria can be dangerous opponents with their fresh approach.

Bulgaria-based Feeney will be watching on closely when the two teams meet at Windsor Park in the World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night.

The former Linfield, Newport and Ards boss is currently manager of Bulgarian second-tier leaders Pirin Blagoevgrad and has an inside track on Northern Ireland's next opponents.

Warren Feeney (left) played 46 times for Northern Ireland (Alvur Haraldsen/PA)

Like Northern Ireland, Bulgaria finished bottom of their Nations League group in the autumn with two points, in a pool that also contained Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

They have since brought in new manager Yasen Petrov, who has a wealth of experience as coach in Bulgaria and China.

Petrov got off to the worst possible start with his side three down inside 13 minutes against Switzerland, but he made some attacking changes and Bulgaria were the better team in the second half before going down 3-1.

Bulgaria also lost 2-0 against Italy – the same as Northern Ireland did – ahead of Wednesday's Windsor Park clash but Feeney expects the new man to make an impact going forward.

“I think he will bring a fresh mentality and it's a dangerous one for Northern Ireland because we haven't seen much of them yet.”
- Warren Feeney on new Bulgaria coach Yasen Petrov

"It's a difficult one because Bulgaria have brought in a new management team and it's funny, because one of my goalkeepers' father is the goalkeeping coach," Feeney told the PA news agency.

"There is a bit of banter between me and the staff because they're saying they are the better nation but I'm saying 'you are 29 places below us in the rankings'.

"But it's a difficult one because the new manager of Bulgaria is very experienced, he has managed abroad, and I think he will definitely change it. No disrespect to the previous one but they weren't scoring a lot of goals.

"It is difficult with players but I think he will bring a fresh mentality and it's a dangerous one for Northern Ireland because we haven't seen much of them yet."

New Bulgaria coach Yasen Petrov saw his side beaten 3-1 by Switzerland over the weekend (Yasen Petrov/AP)

Northern Ireland are also still adjusting to the end of Michael O'Neill's eight-year reign with former Under-21s boss Ian Baraclough looking for a second victory in 11 games on Wednesday.

Feeney believes patience is necessary during the transitional period.

"Michael did very well," the former Bournemouth striker said. "It took him a bit of time at the start but he got what he wanted. When you are qualifying, the expectation levels rise and people think we are just going to do it every tournament, but it's difficult.

"The good thing is Ian worked under him so he will know what way Michael worked but obviously Ian will be his own man again.

"The unfortunate thing with international football is that your older players aren't around forever and he has probably had a little bit of a transition now where there are younger ones coming through, which can only be good for Northern Ireland in the long run.

"He knows the players coming through and he had some very performances and results (with the Under-21s) which will have helped.

"We have got to have patience, people are getting appointed in the youth set-up and there will be a structure for him to move forward."

amp_article__441162 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2021-03-30 10:52:04:
html db last update - 2021-03-30 12:52:47 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Warren Feeney

Click here for more stories about Bulgaria

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .