Popov, Kelantan not on the same page

THERE won’t be any deal between Bulgarian coach Velizar Popov and Kelantan FA (Kafa) for the 2018 M-League season.

That is because Kafa couldn’t agree to two of his demands.

Popov, the former national coach of Maldives, replaced K. Devan mid season as Kelantan coach in 2016, and guided them to fourth in the Super League. But he declined to accept an offer to coach Kelantan in the recent season.

Among the conditions that Kafa could not agree to are that Popov be given the authority to choose local and foreign players and also his own coaching staff.

Earlier, Popov had said on his Instagram that he was ready to compromise on his terms with Kafa for his return to train the state team.

However, Kafa still could not agree with two of his conditions even though Popov said it does not involve financial issues.

“Unfortunately, we can’t reach any agreement for a new contract for 2018 because Kafa can’t agree with my conditions as a coach,” he said.

“I only want to choose my own staff to help me. This is important in the transfers of local and foreign players.

“It is not a question of money. I am ready to compromise on other matters but not these two conditions which is crucial to my work as a coach. I won’t be able to do a good job if these two conditions are not met.” Attirmidzie Rahman

Unfortunately, we can’t reach any agreement for a new contract for 2018.