Bulgarian former football player and current coach Krassimir Balakov will debut as manager of Swiss St. Gallen football club on October 31 2007 in a match against Swiss champion FC Zurich.

Balakov’s debut was only two days after his appointment to the post, Focus news agency reported.

St. Gallen currently ranks last in the Swiss first division, while Zurich is second.

According to Balakov, despite everything, the players were obliged to show that they were together. Everyone should be aware that St. Gallen was not in a usual situation for the team.

The players should give 120 per cent of their abilities, Balakov told Swiss newspaper Blick.

The teams should play aggressive even if that meant that it would not play beautiful football.

Hopefully the fans would show understanding and patience, Balakov said. Fans’ support was very inspiring for the team and for the coach, he said.