The Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has become the centre of controversy in his native Bulgaria after his angry agent suggested the player could retire from international football because of criticism of his performances.
Last month several players, including Berbatov, were lambasted by the Bulgarian Football Union vice-president Yordan Letchkov for showing little enthusiasm for their national team. And when Berbatov asked to be substituted 30 minutes into last night's 6-1 defeat in Serbia, the commentator of Bulgarian TV channel Canal 1 repeated the accusation and suggested Berbatov was a liability to his country. The player's agent, Emil Dancev, reportedly rang the broadcaster in a rage at half-time to complain about the comments and hinted that his client may refuse to play for Bulgaria again.
Bulgaria's manager, Plamen Markov, explained after last night's match that Berbatov had asked to be replaced because he was suffering from a "slight injury" and Dancev today confirmed that the striker is set for a spell on the sidelines. "According to Manchester United's medical staff Berbatov will be recovering for between seven and 10 days," he said.
Markov is himself under pressure following the crushing defeat, which has lent credence to rumours that many of the players, including Berbatov, want the manager to be dismissed. However, the 51-year-old former CSKA Sofia manager last night insisted he will not step down.
"I don't know why they're always talking about resignation," he said. "I doubt that coaches' resignations will sort matters out. Bulgarian football doesn't have the potential that we want to have. But I'll continue my work and I hope that we will achieve some better results."
Markov previously quit as coach after the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal where Bulgaria suffered three defeats, but was reappointed in January. Bulgaria have managed only three lacklustre draws in their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, and lie in third place in their group, four points behind the Republic of Ireland.
Local media blamed Markov for what has been described as a "ridiculous and unforgivable loss" during which Serbia, in addition to hitting six goals, missed two penalties. Vice-president Letchkov, however, again attributed the fault to the players and expressecd his support for the manager. "He has our backing and I see no reason to discuss this issue," said Letchkov.
