Ahead of FIFA Series in Indonesia, Bulgarian Coach Recalls 5,000 Supporters During Training

Bulgaria National Team Coach Aleksandar Dimitrov is preparing to return to a country that was an important part of his career, Indonesia. Bulgaria will participate in the Fifa Series hosted by Indonesia in March 2026.

Besides Indonesia and Bulgaria, the other two contestants are the Solomon Islands and Saint Kitts & Nevis.

"FIFA has confirmed we will participate in the tournament in Indonesia," Dimitrov stated as quoted by the Bulgarian media Topsport.

He believes this tournament will give his team the opportunity to face Football styles from other continents with different mentalities.

"It will help us from a communication standpoint," said the 49-year-old tactician.

For Dimitrov, Indonesia isn't just a tournament location because it was once his second home.

Three Memorable Years

Before becoming Bulgaria's head coach, Dimitrov experienced a crucial phase of his career in Southeast Asia. 

Dimitrov spent over three years in Indonesia, starting as a player for Persipura Jayapura from 2003–2005, before transitioning to the role of assistant coach.

He was the right-hand man to Ivan Kolev at Persipura from 2006–2007, before following his mentor to the Indonesian National Team in 2007. 

From the Jayapura locker room to the national team training camp, Dimitrov witnessed firsthand how football transcends the boundaries of sport.

"I spent three wonderful years in Indonesia. Even training sessions could be attended by up to 5,000 people," said Dimitrov.

Now, nearly two decades later, Dimitrov will return. This time as the coach of his country's national team. 

Preparations from Antalya

Ahead of the FIFA Series 2026, Dimitrov isn't relying solely on memories. He is actively monitoring players abroad. 

Recently, he was in Antalya, Turkey, with his assistant, Yavor Valchinov, to observe the training camps of several Bulgarian clubs.

"Besides the Bulgarian clubs, there are many local players at other clubs, and we saw them firsthand, something we rarely get to do," he concluded.