ASPARUHOV AND KOTKOV, TWO BEAUTIFUL HEARTS

During history Bulgaria had a lot of good and legendary players from their golden team from WC 1994 to their top scorer Dimitar Berbatov. But this is story about two big friends and two beautiful hearts, as the song says, Asparuhov and Kotkov.

Hard that todays football fans could remember them but they are written with golden letters in Bulgarian football but not just in football but also at that time communist life. They were joy to at that time “ordinary“ people and the evidence of that is about 550 000 people at their funeral. Their lives were tragically extinguished at the height of their power.

Their football careers didn't went in the same way. One was idol of Levski fans while Kotkov was on the other side of town in the jersey of Lokomotiv (Sofia). Both were born in capital city of Bulgaria. Although they spend much time together and were great friends, they were completely different people.

Asparuhov was quite and family man unlike Kotkov who was mangup and loved to drink a bit more and his favorite drink was cognac. Although Kotkov used to drink it didn't stop him to the be best on the field. Asparuhov lived with his wife and son. He was much more responsible than his friend.

Although they were full of opposites on the field they were like one brain. Kotkov started his career in alredy mentioned Lokomotiv. With Lokomotiv he was champion of Bulgaria. After more then 10 years there he joined to Asparuhov in Levski. Asapruhov excpet for Levski played for Botev Plovdiv. Together with Levski they won double crow in 1970. 

Becouse of his discipline Asparuhov started to play for national team with only 19 y while Kotkov had to wait until his 26 y. British use to say that Asparuhov is one of the most underrated player ever and they especially remebers his goal scored to England on Wembly. After a clearance by defense he took ball in the air then shook of Bobby More, at that time one of the best player in defence, then pushed trough Brian Labone legs and scored next to Gordon West. One of the best goals ever scored on Wembly. Gundi, what was his nickname, was named the best Bulgarian player of 20th century.

Georgi Asparuhov and Nikola Kotkov- Bulgaria WC 1970 "FKS stickers" 


Asparuhov Panini sticker from WC 1970

Except for national team he showed great performance for Levski in European cup where he was seen by Benfica and Milan. After second match against Benfica at Da Luz, which Levski lost 5:3, the great Eusebio was amazed. Asparuhov scored all three goals. Until that nobody scored 3 goals on Benfica stadium. Benfica tried to sing him but communist authorities said no.

Except Benfica Milan also tried to sing him against who they also played in European cup. Italians offered him all from a salary same as their three best players had, bonuses for every win up to apartment and car to use. He said for Italian media that for him there are only Bulgaria and Levski. He was born there and will die there.

After Kotkov transfer to Levski they become inseparable. They enoyed big popularity. People lived for that they could touch them. They marked entire generation.

They lost their lives in a car accident on 30th June in 1971. On that tragic June of 71' they went on a friendly match for Botev who celebrate 50 years. Kotkov received an invitation to play and he called Gundi to come with him. On the way they stopped at the gas station to fill the tank. Asparuhov could wait for the rest but he hit the gas. At the next crossroad with its glorious Alfa Romeo crashed into the oncoming truck. At the same moment fire broke out and there were no salvation. Asparuhov had 28 and Kotkov 32 y.

The news of the accident spread quickly through Bulgaria. Tens of thousands of people began to gather at the Levski stadium and according to unofficial informations on the funeral there was about 550 000 people and since the death of emperor Boris III. that was the largest public event in Bulgaria.

Later they were stores that the Communists were jealous becouse of their popularity, especially Asparuhov's, and that they were guilty for the accident. But whatever happens Asparuhov and Kotkov went into a legends. Later song came out dedicated to them: “The two no9 (two nines)“.

At the end of the road on the left, at a crossroad

in the winter and in summer, two bouquet lie.

Two lonely bouquet on a crossroad,

They wait for us if we go there...

They are waiting for us, in the rain and snow

And we remember the road back again...

Team favorite two blue no9,

also today inspire every Bulgarian team...

Asparuhov and Kotkov, two beautiful hearts,

Asparuhov and Kotkov, unfading suns...

And although burned to ashes martyr

We will remember them forever as captivating birds...

Author: Ivo Bozhkov 

ASPARUHOV I KOTKOV, DVA PREKRASNA SRCA

Bugarska je kroz povijest imala puno dobrih i legendarnih igrača od njihove zlatne generacije sa svjetskog 1994. pa sve do njihovog najboljeg strijelca Dimitra Berbatova. Međutim ovo je priča o dvojici velikih prijatelja i dva prekrasna srca, kako pjesma kaže, Asparuhovu i Kotkovu.

Teško da ih se itko od današnjih ljubitelja nogometa sjeća ali oni su zlatnim slovima upisani u Bugarski nogomet ali ne samo u nogomet nego i tadašnji komunistički život. Oni su bili radost za tadašnji “običan“ puk a tome svjedoči i oko 550 000 ljudi na pogrebu. Životi su im se tragično ugasili na vrhuncu njihove moći.

Njihov nogometne karijere nisu išle istim putem. Jedan je bio idol navijača Levskog dok je Kotkov bio na drugoj strani grada u dresu Lokomotiva (Sofija). Obojica su rođena u glavnome gradu Bugarske. Iako su se puno družili i bili veliki prijatelji, bili potpuno različite osobe.

Asparuhov je bio miran i obiteljski čovijek za razliku od Kotkova koji je bio mangup te je volio popit koju čašicu više, a najdraže piće mu je bio konjak. Iako je pio Kotkova to nije sprječavalo da bude najbolji na terenu. Asparuhov je živio sa suprugom i sinom. Bio je puno odgovorniji od prijatelja.

Iako su bili puni suprotnosti na terenu su bili kao jedan mozak. Kotkov je svoju karijeru počeo u već spomenutom Lokomotivu. S Lokomotivom je bio prvak Bugarske. Nakon više od 10 godina provedenih tamo pridružio se Asparuhovu u Levskom. Asparuhov je osim za Levski igrao i za Botev Plovdiv. Zajedno su s Levskim osvojili duplu krunu 1970. 

                                                 

Zbog svoje discipliniranosti Asparuhov je za nacionalni tim zaigrao sa samo 19. godina dok je Kotkov na to trebao čekati sve do svoje 26-e. Englezi često znaju reći da je Asparuhov jedan od najpodcijenjenijih igrača ikada a posebno se sjećaju njegovog gola kojeg je zabio Englezima na Wemblyju. Nakon jedne izbijene lopte u zraku je otresao Bobbyja Moorea, tada jedan od najboljih obrambenih igrača, zatim kroz noge gurnuo Brianu Laboneu te zabio pored nemoćnog Gordona Westa. Jedan od najljepših golova ikada zabijen na Wemblyju. Gundi, kako je bio njegov nadimak, proglašen je za najboljeg bugarskog igrača 20. stoljeća.

Georgi Asparuhov i Nikola Kotkov- Bugarska WC 1970 "FKS stickers"


Panini sličica Asparuhova sa svjetskog 1970. 

Osim za reprezentaciju odlične igre prikazivao je i za Levski u Kupu kupova gdje je zapeo za oko velikanima poput Benfice i Milana. Nakon uzvrata protiv Benfice na Da Luzu, koji je Levski izgubio 5:3, veliki Eusebio je ostao u čudu. Asparuhov je zabio sva tri gola. Benfici do tada nitko nije zabio tri gola na njihovom stadionu. Benfica ga je pokušala dovesti ali komunističke vlasti su rekle ne.

Osim Benfice i Milan je zapazio Asparuhova protiv kojega su također igrali u Kupu kupova. Talijani su mu nudili sve od plaće kakvu su imali samo trojica najboljih u Milanu, premije po dobivenoj utakmici sve do stana i automobila na korištenje. Za talijanske medije je izjavio da za njega postoje samo Bugarska i Levski. Tamo se rodio tamo će i umrijeti.

Nakon prelaska Kotkova u Levski postali su nerazdvojni. Uživali su enormnu popularnost. Ljudi su živjeli za to da ih dotaknu. Obilježili su jednu cijelu generaciju.

Živote su izgubili u prometnoj nesreći 30. lipnja 1971. Tog kobnog lipnja 71' krenuli su na prijateljsku utakmicu Boteva koji je slavio 50 godina postojanja. Kotkov je dobio poziv da zaigra pa je pozvao Gundija da pođe s njime. Na putu su stali na benzinsku kako bi napunili gorivo. Umjesto da pričeka ostatak Asparuhov udario po gasu. Na prvome sljedećem križanju sa svojim slavnim Alfa Romeom se zabio u nadolazeći kamion. Istog trenutka je izbio požar i nije im bilo spasa. Asparuhov je imao 28 a Kotkov 32 godine.  

Vijest o nesreći se brzo proširila Bugarskom. Desetine tisuća ljudi se počelo okupljati na stadionu Levskog a prema neslužbenim podacima na pogrebu je bilo oko 550 tisuća ljudi što je nakon smrti cara Borisa III. bio najveći javni događaj u Bugarskoj.

Kasnije su kružile priče da su komunisti bili ljubomorni na njihovu popularnost, posebno Asparuhovu, te da su oni krivi za nesreću. No kako god bilo Asparuhov i Kotkov su ušli u legendu. Kasnije je nastala i pjesma posvećena njima: “Dvije devetke“.

Kraj ceste s lijeve strane, na križanju

I zimi i ljeti, dva buketa stoje.

Dva usamljena buketa na križanju,

Čekaju na nas ako prođemo tuda...

Oni opet čekaju na nas, i po kiši i po snijegu,

I opet se sjećamo ceste...

Dvije najdraže klupske devetke

I danas nadahnjuju svaku bugarsku ekipu...

Asparuhov i Kotkov, dva prekrasna srca,

Asparuhov i Kotkov, besmrtna sunca...

Iako spaljeni u mučenički pepeo

Mi ćemo ih zauvijek pamtiti kao zanosne ptice...

Autor: Ivo Bozhkov

SAD STORY OF JEAN-PIERRE ADAMS

One of the saddest football story but in same time one of the best love story. Tragic but also the amazng story of France footballer Jean-Pierre Adams, who is in coma for more then 34 years. Apparently simple operation led to fatal results.

Adams was born in Dakar, where he grew up until his 10th year. He leaves his hometown with his grandmother and going on a pilgrimage in Montargis, Loiret. There he was adopted by Franch family. During his studies he worked at local rubber manufacturer. He also played football for local clubs. He first played for Fontainebleau with which he won amateur championship of France, twice. After few seasons he went to first league side Nimes. In first league he spent 9 seasons where he also played for Nice and PSG. Near the end of his career he spent one season in second division club Mulhouse and amateur Chalon.

With his good games he reached France national team. In total he played 22 games from 1972 to 1976. During his time in national team he did a great competitive and friendly tandem with one of the best stopper of all time, Marius Tresor. Journalists called them "Black Guard"! They were intransitive.

Marius Tresor and Jean-Pierre Adams

After the end of his career he began to train youths. On one of these trainings he injured knee becouse of which he had to have surgery. It was a minor injury and the operation should be the same way, but it cost him the life that he knew. 17 March in 1982 he was sent to surgery. After an apparent medical error there were complications and he suffered a bronchospasm which starved his brain of oxygen, slipping into a coma. He still is in coma.

The whole case went to court. Doctor anesthesiologist and a trainee were given one-month suspension and were fined for about $ 800.

Adams now has 68 years and he spent in coma more than half of his life. But his family is still hoping for a miracle. His wife Bernadette, whom he married in April 1969, take care of him along with their two sons. Their relationship was met with a lot disapproval, especially from Bernadette side, becouse she was white and he was black stranger from Senegal. Anyway, love won.

Adams wife Bernadette

Adams breathe independently, without help of medical equipment, but all other vital organs are backed by medical technology. The wife is one who takes care of him every day. Every day his is changing his clothes, bath him and feed him. Despite everything his condition is the same but his wife says: "I am convicted that he feels me, me and our sons. He can hear and experience us. And nurses confirm us that".

His wife now receives a pension for her husband who is in coma and had great support from former footballers and the football assocation.

She is aware of the possibility of recovery are almost impossible but it doesn't change my relationship to my husband says Bernadette, adding: "There's always hope, we are here to preserve his legacy and dignity. For me time stopped 17 March 1982. Since than no changes. We consulted with the world's best neurologists who have told us that the damages are big and there is no hope to wake up. But he is not getting older, he has only few gray hairs."

They used to ask her if she had ever tought about euthanasia her husband on which she answered: "What do you want me to do -- deprive him of food? Let him die little by little? No way. Life is sacred. I don't even think of euthanasia. I can not decide for him."

"Everybody hopes that he wil come out of the coma. But the more time passes, the more it troubles me. But his condition does not get any worse, so who knows? Medical science evolves so if one day they will know how to do something for him, then why not? "- said Bernadette for which hope dies last.

UPDATE: Adams died on 6 September 2021 at the age of 73, after being in coma for 39 years.

Career of Jean-Pierre trough stickers

Jean-Pierre Adams- Nimes 1971/72 "Football en action"

Jean-Pierre Adams- Nimes 1972/73 "Football en match"

Jean-Pierre Adams Nice 1974/75 "Football 1974/75"

Jean-Pierre Adams- Nice 1975-76 "Panini France Football 76"

Jean-Pierre Adams- Nice 1976/77 "Panini France Football 77"

Jean-Pierre Adams- PSG 1977/78 "Panini France Football 78"

Jean-Pierre Adams- PSG 1978/79 "Panini France Football 79"

Jean-Pierre Adams- Mulhouse 1979/80 "Panini France Football 80"

TUŽNA PRIČA JEAN-PIERRE ADAMSA

Jedna od najtužnijih nogometnih priča ali u isto vrijeme jedna od najljepših ljubavnih priča. Tragična ali ujedno i nevjerojatna priča o francuskom nogometašu Jean-Pierru Adamsu, koji je već više od 34 godine u komi. Naizgled obična operacija dovela je do kobnog rezultata...

Adams se rodio u Dakru gdje je odrastao do svoje 10. godine. Napušta svoj rodni kraj te s bakom odlazi na hodočašće u Montargis u Loiret. Tamo je usvojen od jedne francuske obitelji. Za vrijeme školovanja radio je kod lokalnog proizvođača guma te je usput igrao nogomet za lokalne klubove. Najprije je zaigrao za Fontainebleau s kojim dvaput osvaja amatersko prvenstvo Francuske.  Nakon par sezona prelazi u prvoligaški Nimes. U prvoj ligi proveo je 9 sezona igrajući još i za Nicu i PSG. Pred kraj svoje karijere jednu sezonu je proveo u drugoligaškom Mulhouseu i amaterskom Chalonu.

Svojim dobrim igrama dogurao je i do Francuske reprezentacije. Ukupno je odigrao 22 utakmice od 1972. do 1976. Za vrijeme igranja u reprezentaciji činio je sjajan natjecateljski i prijateljski tandem s jednom od najboljih stopera svih vremena, Mariusom Tresorom. Njih dvojicu novinari su nazvali – "crna straža"! Bili su neprelazni.

Marius Tresor i Jean-Pierre Adams

Nakon završetka karijere počeo je trenirati mlade uzraste. Na jednome od tih treninga ozljedio je koljeno zbog čega je trebao ići na operaciju. Bila je to lakša ozljeda a takva je trebala biti i sama operacija, no koštala ga je života kakvog je poznavao. 17. ožujka 1982. je poslan na operaciju. Nakon očigledne liječničke pogreške došlo je do komplikacije, zadobio je bronhospazmu koja je njegov mozak lišila kisika i upao je u komu. U kojoj je i danas.

Cijeli slučaj otišao je i na sud. Liječnik anesteziolog i pripravnik dobili su jednomjesečnu suspenziju te su kažnjeni sa oko 800 dolara.

Adams danas ima 68 godina te je u komi proveo više od pola svoga života. Međutim njegova obitelj se i dalje nada čudu. Oko njega se brinu supruga Bernadette, s kojom se oženio u travnju 1969., te njihova dva sina.  Njihova vezna je naišla na puno negodovanja, pogotovo sa Bernadettine strane, jer je ona bila bijelkinja a on crnac došljak iz Senegala. Ipak pobjedila je ljubav.


Adamsova supruga Bernadette

Adams diše samostalno, bez pomoći medicinskih aparata, no svi ostali vitalni organi potpomognuti su medicinskom tehnologijom. Supruga je ta koja se svaki dan brine o njemu. Svaki dan ga presvlači, kupa, hrani... Unatoč svemu stanje se ne popravlja ali supruga kaže: "Uvjerena sam da me osjeća, i mene i sinove. Da nas čuje i doživljava. I medicinske sestre nam to potvrđuju".

Supruga danas prima mirovinu za svog muža koji je u komi te je imala veliku podršku od bivših nogometaša te nogometnog saveza.

Ona je svjesna da je mogućnost oporavka skoro pa nemoguća ali to ne mijenja moj odnos prema mužu kaže Bernadette te dodaje: "Nada uvijek postoji, mi smo tu da čuvamo njegovu ostavštinu i dostojanstvo. Za mene je vrijeme stalo 17. ožujka 1982. godine. Od tada nema promjena ni nabolje ni nagore. Konzultirali smo i najbolje svjetske neurologe koji su nam rekli da su oštećenja velika i da nema nikakve nade da se probudi. Ali, on ne stari, ima samo par sijedih dlaka".

Znali su je upitati da li je ikada razmišljala o eutanaziji svoga supruga na što je odgovorila: "Što želite da učinim? Da mu oduzmem hranu i neka umre pomalo. Ni slučajno. Život je svet. Ni ne pomišljam na eutanaziju. Ja ne mogu odlučiti umjesto njega".

Svi se nadaju da će se probuditi iz kome ali što više vrijeme prolazi sve me to više muči. Ali njegovo stanje se ne pogoršava, tako da tko zna? Medicinska znanost je napredovala i ako će možda jednoga dana znati što da naprave, zašto ne čekati?- kaže Bernadette za koju nada umire posljednja. 

UPDATE: Adams je umro 6. rujna 2021. u 73. godini, nakon 39 godina provedenih u komi.


Karijera Jean-Pierra kroz sličice 


Jean-Pierre Adams- Nimes 1971/72 "Football en action"


Jean-Pierre Adams- Nimes 1972/73 "Football en match"


Jean-Pierre Adams Nice 1974/75 "Football 1974/75"


Jean-Pierre Adams- Nice 1975-76 "Panini France Football 76"


Jean-Pierre Adams- Nice 1976/77 "Panini France Football 77"


Jean-Pierre Adams- PSG 1977/78 "Panini France Football 78"


Jean-Pierre Adams- PSG 1978/79 "Panini France Football 79"


Jean-Pierre Adams- Mulhouse 1979/80 "Panini France Football 80"

THE CURSE OF BELA GUTTMANN

Bela Guttmann was Hungarian footballer and later also coach. He was a lot successful as coach then as a player. He played on a midfileder position and spent his career in: Hungary, Austria and USA. He also had several caps for national team.

Bela Guttmann in Hungary jersey

In football world he will be remembered for his uncompromising, many removals from one club to another and his coaching ingeniousness with which this Hungarian Jew conquered Europe and the world. During his 40 years of career he was 2 times European cup winner, several league titles and also some small trophies. He spent in Benfica 3 seasons, otherwise he was known as “roving coach“. Rarely where he stayed for more than season or two. He once said: -Third season is alway “fatal“. That third season was fatal for him as Benfica coach when he after defend the European cup, todays Champions League, asked for a raise from the club.

Except his coaching abilities he was famous for his conflicts with journalists, players and boards. He was not afraid of conflict with legendary Puskas.

As Milan coach in 1955 he had a hughe advance in front of other league teams but soon he conflict with the board of the club and got sacked in the mid-season. After he god fired he said: - I have been sacked even though I am neither a criminal nor a homosexual. Goodbye.

Except in Europe he also coached in South America. There with Sao Paulo he won “Paulista“. There he introduced 4-2-4 formation with which Brazil won World Cup trophy in 1958.

Sticker from 1965/66

Before he took Benfica he was coach of Porto. With Porto h won his first from three Portugal league titles. After just one season he took Benfica where he experienced the greatest moments of his coaching career. With Benfica he won 5 main trophies in total (2 league titles, cup and 2 European cup). First day as Benfica coach he sacked several important players and gave chance to younger players. Same season he won league title and the next one Champions League. That was first time that Real wasn't champion. From Mozambique they signed Eusebio. With his great plays Eusebio helped Benfica to defend the title of European champion. After that second European cup trophy Bela asked for bonus for all this domestic and European titles. Board rejected him with words that that wasn't predicted with contract. After that Bela left club with words: - Not in a hundred years from now will Benfica ever be European champion. In that time nobody bothered with that but today it describes as a „The curse of Bela Guttmann“. Since than Benfica played 8 finals of European cups and lose all of them. 5 times they were in Champions League final and 3 in UEFA Cup/European League. Before 1990 final, which was played in Vienna, where Guttmann was buried, Eusébio prayed at his grave and asked for the curse to be broken.

  

Guttmann's Benfica and two trophies of European cup 1960/61 and 1961/62



Eusebio, Guttmann and Mario Esteves Coluna

KLETVA BELE GUTTMANNA

Bela Guttmann je bio mađarski nogometaš a kasnije i trener. Mnogo uspješniji je bio kao trener nego kao nogometaš. Igrao je na poziciji veznog te je svoju karijeru proveo u Mađarskoj, Austriji i SAD-u. Ima nekoliko nastupa i za nacionalni tim.

Bela Guttman u dresu Mađarske

U nogometnom svijetu biti će zapamćen po beskompromisnoti, mnogim selidbama iz jednog kluba u drugi te trenerskoj genijalnosti kojima je ovaj mađarski Židov pokorio Europu i svijet. Tijekom svoje 40-ogodišnje karijere osvojio je dva europska naslova, par puta prvak lige te nekoliko manjih trofeja. Najviše se zadržao u Benfici čak 3 sezone, inače je „lutao“ kao trener. Rijetko gdje se zadržavao duže od sezonu do dvije. Poznata je njegova izjava: -Treća sezona je uvijek “fatalna“. Ta treća sezona bila je fatalna dok je bio trener Benfice gdje je nakon obranjenog Europskog kupa, današnje Lige Prvaka, tražio povišicu od kluba.

Osim svojih trenerskih mogućnosti bio je poznat i po čestim sukobima sa novinarima, igračima i upravama. Nije se libio ni ući u sukob sa legendarnim Puskasom.  

Kao trener Milana 1955. ostvario je golemu prednost naspram drugih momčadi ali se ubrzo sukobio sa upravom kluba te je na polusezoni dobio otkaz. Nakon otkaza rekao je: -Otpušten sam iako nisam kriminalac ni homoseksualac. Doviđenja.

Osim u Europi trenirao je klubove i po Južnoj Americi. Tamo je Sao Paulo doveo do naslova “Pauliste“. Tamo je predstavio 4-2-4 formaciju kojom je Brazil došao do naslova svjetskog prvaka 1958.

Sličica iz 1965/66

Prije preuzimanja Benfice bio je trener Porta. S Portom je osvojio prvi od tri naslova portugalske lige. Nakon samo jedne sezone prelazi u Benficu gdje je doživio najsjajnije trenutke svoje trenerske karijere. S Benficom je ukupno osvojio 5 glavnih trofeja (2 lige, kup i 2 Kupa prvaka). Prvog dana na klupi Benfice otpustio je nekoliko važnih igrača te priliku dao mlađim igračima. Iste te sezone osvojio je ligu a sljedeće i tadašnju ligu prvaka. To je bilo prvi put da Real nije prvak. Iz Mozambika je doveo Eusebia. Eusebio je svojim sjajnim igrama pomogao Benfici da obrani titulu europkosg prvaka. Nakon tog drugog trofeja Kupa Prvaka, Bela je od uprave kluba tražio bonuse za silne domaće te europske trofeje. Uprava ga je odbila riječima kako to nije predviđeno ugovorom. Nakon toga Bela je napustio klub riječima: -Zapamtite, Benfica neće osvojiti europski naslov sljedećih stotinu godina. Tada se nitko nije zamarao time ali danas se to opisuje kao “Kletva Belle Guttmanna“. Od tada do danas Benfica je ukupno igrala 8 finala Europskih kupova te ih sve izgubila. 5 puta su bili u finalu Lige prvaka te 3 UEFA Cup/Europska liga. Prije finala 1990.,koje se igralo u Beču gdje je Guttmann pokopan, Eusebio je došao na grob te molio za prekid kletve.


 
Guttmannova Benfica i dva naslova prvaka Europe iz 1960/61 i 1961/62



Eusebio, Guttmann i Mario Esteves Coluna