Luboslav Penev has resigned as coach of CSKA Sofia this weekend.
The loss in Switzerland was CSKA’s fourth in a row in all competitions, and they have just one point in Group E, six adrift of second-placed AS Roma with two games remaining. Former CSKA, Valencia CF and Club Atlético de Madrid forward Penev was appointed to his first coaching role in March, replacing his uncle Dimitar, and led the Sofia club to second place in Bulgaria’s A PFG last season; they currently trail leaders PFC Chernomorets Burgas by one point.
“My decision to leave is based on recent differences with the club’s board of directors,” Penev said. “I don’t want to leave by the back door and in the name of the club I resign.” To remain in the UEFA Europa League, CSKA must win at Fulham FC on 3 December and against Roma 13 days later; they also need Basel to beat the Giallorossi in Italy and avoid defeat at home by the English outfit.
Let’s hope the new manager = win your next game formula doesn’t apply in Europe.