The Botev Plovdiv Chronicle
Market10 Aug 2026
Ludogorets come back empty-handed
The bid was some way short and Botev Plovdiv did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
Nobody could get near Samuel Kalu
Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Samuel Kalu signs a new deal
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Samuel Kalu commits to Botev Plovdiv for another 3 years.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Tempers go at Botev Plovdiv
Samuel Kalu was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad10 Aug 2026
No hiding place for Bryan Hein
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Bryan Hein, and the manager let it.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
Vladimir Mendes turns it into his own net
Nobody's fault and entirely his: a goal that goes into the book with his name against it and nothing about it intended. Botev Plovdiv deserved better, and so did he.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
Mascote stands above it all
Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.21 on the card, and the Botev Plovdiv support went home talking about one name.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Denis Thomalla has outgrown this division
There is a level at which a footballer stops being tested and starts being contained, and he reached it some time ago. Botev Plovdiv know it, and so does everybody who watches him.
Match8 Aug 2026
Botev Plovdiv share the spoils with Beroe
A 1‑1 draw with Beroe leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.
In brief
- Market Botev Plovdiv and Aleksa Maraš are talking past each other
- Market No place for Edson Silva in the plan
- Market Botev Plovdiv bring in an old head