Stoichkov returns to take helm at CSKA
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
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Hristo Stoichkov has returned to the club where he won three Bulgarian league titles and four cups as a player, taking the coaching reins at PFC CSKA Sofia for the first time.
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Former Bulgarian international forward Hristo Stoichkov has returned to take the coaching reins at former club PFC CSKA Sofia, with whom he rose to prominence as a player.
The joint top scorer at the 1994 FIFA World Cup left PFC Litex Lovech to take charge at the capital outfit on Wednesday. "I am happy to be back at the club where my career kicked off almost three decades ago," said the 47-year-old after overseeing his first training session. "I can promise the fans I will impose strict discipline in the team. I will give 100% effort for the good of the team."
The 18-year-old Stoichkov arrived at CSKA in 1984, spending six prolific seasons before leaving for FC Barcelona, where he won the 1991/92 European Champion Clubs' Cup. After three league titles and four Bulgarian Cups in his first spell, Stoichkov rejoined CSKA as a player in 1998 but has never before coached there. He also had a three-year stint as national coach from 2004, as well as occupying the hot seat at RC Celta de Vigo and, for the last 18 months, Litex. CSKA finished third in the 2012/13 A League, with Litex in fifth.
