Lubo Penev shows no fear in Sofia

Luboslav Penev intends to make a successful start to his head coaching career with his old club PFC CSKA Sofia, saying: "We're aiming for the league title."

Quick turnaround
CSKA dismissed the former Bulgaria striker's uncle, Dimitar Penev, as coach on Thursday, bringing in the 42-year-old Luboslav just in time for their opening match of the spring campaign, at PFC Belasitsa Petrich on Saturday. "It's great to be back at CSKA," said Penev Jr, who will be assisted by Jesús Paredes. "There's a lot of work to do."

Spanish success
A star at CSKA under his uncle in the late 1980s, Luboslav Penev found further success in Spain, playing for Valencia CF and RC Celta de Vigo as well as winning a double with Club Atlético de Madrid. After signing a two-and-a-half year contract – his first as a head coach – he insisted the experience of having played under the likes of Guus Hiddink and Radomir Antić would serve him, and CSKA, well.

Valued mentors
"During my career I worked under some great coaches and with some great players," said Penev, whose new charges are a point behind A PFG leaders PFC Levski Sofia and were knocked out of the Bulgarian Cup in midweek. "I think I learned a lot from them and now is the time to use that knowledge of the game."

Back-up team
Former élite referee Dimitar Dimitrov will help Penev as CSKA's new sporting director, while the coach has pulled off a coup in persuading Paredes – formerly Luis Aragonés's assistant with Spain – to join him in Sofia. "He will be more than an assistant to me," said Penev. "He has worked as a fitness coach for more than 30 years."

'Order and discipline'
Fitness and discipline are the likely watchwords of the new regime, with Penev promising that his team will sweat for glory in the coming months. "I will demand order and discipline from the players," he said. "They should work hard to prove they deserve to wear the red shirt. They will all be given an equal chance to prove themselves."

Admired predecessor
Penev also paid tribute to his uncle, still a legend in Bulgaria for leading the national side to the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. "I respect him a lot," said 'Lubo'. "He has done unbelievable things for Bulgarian football. It will be a great honour for me to share his fantastic experience and knowledge."