Levski press on with 'Plan 2009'
Monday 28 January 2008
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Stanimir Stoilov had little to smile about in the autumn (©Getty Images)
With the chase for the 2007/08 Bulgarian title seemingly over for PFC Levski Sofia, coach Stanimir Stoilov has been charged with launching 'Plan 2009'.
Miserable autumn
After two years of great success, the autumn of 2007 proved to be a great disappointment for Levski. Knocked out of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round by Finnish side Tampere United, their bid for a third successive Bulgarian championship seems doomed after they entered the winter break fourth in the A PFG, 13 points behind leaders PFC CSKA Sofia.
Resignation offered
Stoilov – who became something of a national hero after leading Levski to the 2005/06 UEFA Cup quarter-finals and then taking them to the UEFA Champions League group stage last season – offered his resignation in December only for the board to refuse it. Instead, they gave him free rein to rebuild the team with a view to European competition in 2009.
Renewed commitment
For Levski's major shareholder Todor Batkov, this 'Plan 2009' represents an affirmation of the club's commitment to Stoilov, who was briefly caretaker manager of the Bulgaria national side in the summer. Appointed in 2004, Stoilov started his reign working on 'Plan 2007' – a bid to make Levski competitive in Bulgaria and Europe by 2007, which came to fruition a year ahead of schedule.
Off to Israel
This new project has kicked off with Stoilov dismantling the team that has served Levski so well in recent years, with six senior professionals being allowed to go. Captain Elin Topuzakov and midfielder Dimitar Telkiyski left for Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC, while Frenchman Cédric Bardon – whose goals against AC Chievo Verona fired Levski into last term's group stage – joined Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv FC.
Cyprus calls
Bulgarian international and fans' favourite Hristo Yovov was also released, moving to Cyprus to sign for Aris Limassol FC, while two stars of the 2005/06 UEFA Cup campaign – striker Emil Angelov and forward Milan Koprivarov – have been shipped off to domestic rivals, recruited by PFC Litex Lovech and PFC Slavia Sofia respectively.
On trial
Levski are braced for further departures, with Valeri Domovchiyski on trial in England with Blackburn Rovers FC and midfielder Nikolai Dimitrov expected to go to Arsenal FC. Yet they have also begun rebuilding. Brazilians Joazinho, Zé Soares and Jean Carlos have arrived, with Ismail Issa and Tsvetomir Matev also being enlisted from second division PFC Haskovo.
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