Levski Sofia sack coach despite success

Bulgarian side Levski Sofia found a rather unusual moment to sack their coach, Emil Velev, having done so one day after reaching the third preliminary round of the Champions League.

Success wasn’t an issue for Levski, who won the Bulgarian championship and are still in contention for a spot in the group phase of the Champions League. However, Velev’s poor relationship with public and press forced the club’s management to take this decision.

“It is a bit of a strange moment to change coaches, but I hope that it won’t influence the results,” said Levski chairman Todor Batkov during a press conference.

Velev will be replaced with Ratko Dostanic, whose first test awaits next week when Levski face FK Baku for a spot in the fourth and last Champions League qualifying round.