Luboslav Penev named as new Bulgaria coach

One of Bulgaria's finest centre-forwards, Luboslav Penev, has been named as the new coach of the national team, with the 45-year-old agreeing a two-year deal, with the option of a further two years, after leaving PFC Litex Lovech.

The former PFC CSKA Sofia, Valencia CF, Club Atlético de Madrid and RC Celta de Vigo player has taken command after Lothar Matthäus was relieved of his duties in September. Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) president Borislav Mihaylov said: "He will make his debut on February 2012 in the friendly against Hungary. We wish him and his coaching staff success."

Penev scored 13 goals in 62 international appearances, and played at EURO '96 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals. "It is a great honour for me to lead the national team," said Penev, who is the nephew of Dimitar Penev, the coach who led Bulgaria to the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup. "The doors are open for every quality player. I am a young coach, but I have already been successful. I am looking forward to the challenge."

Luboslav Penev moved into coaching when he replaced his uncle as CSKA boss in March 2009, but left the club early the following year. He then led Litex to the 2010/11 title. Atanas Dzhambazki replaced him at Litex last week.