Petev swaps Bulgaria for Dinamo

Ivaylo Petev has been unveiled as the new coach of Dinamo Zagreb, leaving his post is charge of Bulgaria to sign a two-year deal with the Croatian champions while Petar Hubchev has taken over his former national-team role.

The 41-year-old Petev  had been coach of the Bulgarian national team since 2014 following spells as Ludogorets Razgrad, Levski Sofia and AEL Limassol, but has now opted for a new challenge at Dinamo, explaining: "I'm happy to come to Dinamo. Twice before we couldn't agree terms, but this time I think the moment was right. I always wanted to work at a club like this.

"I only have success on my mind," added Petev, who takes over with Dinamo bottom of UEFA Champions League Group H having conceded seven goals without scoring in losing both their games so far, and third in the Croatian First League. "I want us to become a great team. We have a lot of work to do, and it won't be easy, but we'll work hard and I'm sure Dinamo will be back where they belong."

"This is big news," said Dinamo director Tomislav Svetina. "We got Petev as we strongly believe he's the best choice for us. He's young, full of motivation, has some great results behind him, and he knows this team. It's not easy to take over before the big derby against Hajduk, but he wanted to do that."

Dinamo are at home to Hajduk Split on Sunday; Petev's first UEFA Champions League assignment will be against Sevilla in Zagreb on 18 October.