Former CSKA Sofia striker Stoyko Sakaliev remains a beloved figure at Bulgarian Army Stadium, whether as a player or a supporter – as he is now. The forward, who captivated fans from his first day with the club, recently celebrated his 47th birthday, and has undergone a noticeable transformation. One thing remains constant, however: his passion for the “Redmen,” the same fervor he felt when he joined the most decorated club in Bulgaria in 2004.
– Mr. Sakaliev, happy birthday, where are we finding you at the moment?
– In a work environment.
– How are you feeling at 47 years old?
– Normal, and my work is still connected to sports, even though it’s part of education now. I’m more focused on that area. I am the deputy director at the Yuri Gagarin Sports School in Burgas.
– And how will you celebrate?
– For the celebration, I will most likely be in a family setting. Otherwise, for me, it will be a normal day.
– Let’s switch to a favorite topic – CSKA. What’s your assessment of the “Redmen” under the leadership of Hristo Yanev? How do you rate their performance this spring?
– I’ve said it several times – the team is much more confident and stable compared to what they were showing before the Modern Year. During the preparation in Turkey, Hristo Yanev drew conclusions about the lineup he will use, as well as each of the players he currently has at his disposal. He will certainly want to build on that. The team is in good condition compared to the start of the championship. Things are positive in that regard.
– Is this a sign that CSKA will return to the title race next season?
– Yes, that has always been CSKA’s goal – the title. The team is obliged to fight for every cup they have the opportunity to win. From the summer, I believe the team will be much better, because there will be other interesting transfers to further strengthen the competition. To achieve a strong European level, so that we can confidently move forward in the tournaments when we grow champions in 2027. But that takes time, good and serious players.
– How would you comment on the performance of your successors, Godoy and Pitas?
– I will be honest and frank – Godoy is not my type of striker, although he scores goals. He’s not exactly the player CSKA needs. And that will become clear when a class striker arrives. The difference will be huge. As for Pitas… I was at the club when he arrived last winter. For me, Ioannis is an exceptional footballer who interacts well with the others. He plays strongly and moves around the entire attacking perimeter. He is much better than Godoy, in my opinion.
– CSKA is poised to be a key factor in the title race. Should they lend a hand to Levski or Ludogorets?
– CSKA always goes out to play to win. Whether to facilitate someone is a matter of perspective. Mine is different. We can beat Levski three times, but that doesn’t mean we won’t beat Ludogorets twice! And that’s how CSKA will secure involved in the title race! That’s a possibility. You have to take advantage of it, even if it’s only 1%. That’s why I don’t rule out CSKA. That will only happen when the chances are zero. Everything is possible, even with 0.5%. If the situation is different from what it is now, then CSKA could be champions with wins over Levski and Ludogorets, but CSKA 1948 also needs to do something against those teams. In this format, there are opportunities not only for one or two teams, but for a third to triumph.
– A derby with Levski is coming up after Easter. What’s your fondest memory from matches against the “Blues”?
– The favorite memories are always when CSKA beat Levski. Always! Regardless of who scored the goal or contributed the most to moving forward. The important thing is for CSKA to win and delight the fans in the stands. Every victory in the derby is important and significant.
– But what if CSKA fails to qualify for Europe again, because that’s also a possibility?
– I don’t reckon CSKA will fail to qualify for Europe, on the contrary, they will be there! The club, as well as we, the fans, will have those European evenings and big matches! I don’t question that at all. The good thing is that we will also have a new stadium. Its construction is in the final stages. And it is almost ready, although I don’t have direct access to these activities. What I see from the videos and pictures gives me a clear idea of what Bulgarian Army Stadium will look like and how things are going in Borisova Gradina.
