Penev back at CSKA Sofia helm

Venerated Bulgarian coach Dimitar Penev has taken the reins of PFC CSKA Sofia for a fifth time ahead of Friday's derby meeting with capital rivals PFC Levski Sofia.

Honorary president of the club, Penev was appointed to take over from Milen Radukanov in the wake of Friday's goalless draw at PFC Cherno More Varna, which followed a 2-1 home loss to PFC Slavia Sofia. "The club directors decided to replace Radukanov and I accepted the offer to take charge of the team," said Penev, who guided Bulgaria to the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Radukanov took CSKA to Bulgarian Cup glory in May but failed to lead the side into the UEFA Europa League group stage, his charges losing to FC Steaua Bucureşti in the play-offs. They nonetheless lie joint top of the Bulgarian A League with PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, having played one game more. Penev collected three championship titles and four Bulgarian Cups during his previous stints in charge, and steered CSKA to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals in 1988/89.