Bulgaria coach: Critics won't force me out

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SOFIA - Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov has shrugged off calls for his resignation following a humiliating 6-1 loss to Serbia and said his departure would not improve the team's fortunes.

Bulgaria suffered the embarrassing defeat in a friendly on Wednesday and local media predicted it could lead to the 51-year-old's departure.

However, the former CSKA Sofia coach refused to consider stepping 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."

Local media and fans have once again blamed Markov for the "ridiculous and unforgivable loss", but the Bulgarian football authorities decided the blame lay with the players, not Markov.

"He has our backing and I see no reason to discuss this issue," said Bulgarian Football Union's Vice President Yordan Lechkov.

Last month, Lechkov criticised some of the team's leading players, including Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov, for their lack of enthusiasm.