CSKA Sofia so good for Penev
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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Champions PFC CSKA Sofia are in the unusual position of being surprise league leaders in Bulgaria with coach Dimitar Penev explaining: "A lot of experienced and classy players left us over the summer."
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Apocalyptic times
Promoted FC Sliven are the only team yet to lose in the A PFG this season, yet even their immense achievements have been eclipsed by CSKA who looked to be entering a disastrous phase in May. Refused a UEFA Champions League place after failing licensing criteria, coach Stoycho Mladenov and a number of senior players jumped ship amid fears of a massive crisis.
Penev the hero
However, the dark clouds gathering over the most successful Bulgarian club lifted miraculously following the appointment of Dimitar Penev as coach. The 31-time champions are heading into this weekend's derby against PFC Levski Sofia five points clear in pole position, with Penev – who led Bulgaria to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 1994 – once more a hero.
Derby veteran
Now 63, Penev knows more about big Sofia derbies than anyone. His first came as a player in 1964 and he has featured either as player or coach in 35 of them now. His most recent was exactly nine years before this Saturday's encounter, with his side – in a similar state of flux – earning a 1-0 win on 30 September 1999.
Familiar formula
The coach has been CSKA's knight in shining armour on numerous occasions, and his willingness to get stuck in despite trying circumstances has paid off again. His formula has been to build a team around a spine of experienced players – this time, defenders Kiril Kotev and Yordan Todorov, midfielder Todor Yanchev and Bulgaria forward Zdravko Lazarov.
Manchev returns
Youngsters Ivan Ivanov, Nikolai Chipev and Martin Toshev have shone while foreign signings Filipe Machado, Daniel Bekono and Marquinhos have proved good value. The masterstroke, though, may be the return of former Bulgaria star Vladimir Manchev, who has spent the last six seasons in France and Spain. Manchev arrived as a free agent last week and debuted with both goals in the weekend's 2-1 victory over PFC Chernomorets Burgas.
'Doing our best'
CSKA's mettle will be tested to the hilt as they take on third-placed Levski, PFC Lokomotiv Sofia, PFC Litex Lovech, PFC Cherno More Varna and durable newcomers PFC Lokomotiv Mezdra in their next fixtures. With Penev in charge, though, they will feel optimistic, even if the coach insists his side remain a work in progress. "We are still signing players even though the season is under way," he said. "It is hard under such circumstances, but we are doing our best."