Preview
Pirin Blagoevgrad are going through a serious crisis, both on and off the pitch. The club has accumulated significant financial liabilities, while the Blagoevgrad municipality has reduced its financial support, creating even greater uncertainty around the club’s future. Their situation is further complicated by the fact that Pirin entered the season with the youngest squad across both the First and Second Professional Leagues.
The club’s financial difficulties were highlighted by the departure of executive director Georgi Kalpakchiev, who confirmed in an official statement that the inherited debts of more than €300,000 couldn’t be resolved and that managing the club’s finances alone had become increasingly difficult.
Pirin are also struggling badly on the pitch. They sit firmly at the bottom of the table with zero points from eight matches and an extremely poor 3:27 goal difference, with six of their eight defeats coming by at least two goals. Their problems were compounded by a €4,800 fine imposed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Bulgarian Football Union following racist behavior by their supporters in the recent match against Ludogorets II. Furthermore, two important players, Bandev (7/0) and Kazakov (6/3) have left the club.
Marek have strengthened their attacking options by bringing in promising striker Miletic (30/1 key player in Slavia Sofia last season) on loan, as well as Preslav Georgiev from Septemvri Sofia. Although Marek also have several absences – Kirev (8/0) has moved to Yantra Gabrovo, while Sandev (7/0), captain Lyubomirov (3/0) and Kaymakanski (3/0) are suspended the hosts still appear to have the stronger and more stable squad.
Playing at the renovated Bonchuk Stadium in Dupnitsa is traditionally a difficult experience for visiting teams and Marek have every incentive to approach this game aggressively. With Pirin struggling on virtually every front and Marek having a strong opportunity to take advantage of their opponent’s current crisis, I expect the hosts to push for a convincing victory.