On the 17th September, Tottenham’s 2020/21 Europa League campaign will begin as the club enter the competition in the second round of qualifying.
Surely nothing more than a mere formality the tie, but who are Tottenham facing? And is there anything to be worries about?
Who are PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv?
Bulgarian club Lokomotiv Plovdiv are the name on the Lilywhites lips right now are drawing them out of the Europa League hat.
Founded in 1926, the club also known as the Railwaymen or the Smurfs have been Bulgarian topflight regulars for a large chunk of their history despite there having been more than one relegation over their time.
However, now, the club have enjoyed back to back Bulgarian Cup successes along with finishing second in the league 12 points behind winners Ludogorets.
Who is the man in charge?
Bruno Akrapović is the man who has guided the Railwaymen to this season’s successes.
Now 52, Akrapovic made 18 appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina scoring once as a midfielder.
As a player, Akrapovic is perhaps best known for making over 70 league appearances for Wolfsburg and nearly 100 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz 05.
Since taking over Lokomotiv Plovdiv in 2017, he has guided the club to back to back Bulgarian Cup wins.
Should Tottenham be worried?
Not really is the answer. Even if Spurs had been drawn against the best side in Bulgaria (Ludogorets) there would have been little to be concerned about, even less so against a side who finished 12 points adrift of the leaders.
Lokomotiv’s defence was hardly a strong point last season either and was only the fourth best in the league despite finishing runners up.
Scoring goals is where Plovdiv’s only chance of progressing lies as 49 goals scored last season was the highest number in the league, but Tottenham really should breeze through this one – otherwise some serious questions will be asked of Mourinho.