Petrov replaces Dimitrov

New role
Dimitrov is officially on holiday until 1 January, when he will return to the club as general manager. In his one year in charge of Lokomotiv, Dimitrov recorded 15 victories, eight draws and 17 defeats. His place as coach will be taken by his assistant, Yasen Petrov, until the winter break, when a permanent solution will be sought if he is not achieving the desired results.

President comments
The 34-year-old Petrov, who is a former Lokomotiv player, will be assisted by former team-mate Anton Velkov. "I hope that Yasen [Petrov] can appreciate the chance I'm giving him and prove that he is a good coach," club president Nikolay Gigov said.

Petrov 'very surprised'
Petrov said of his appointment: "If I said that I am not under pressure, I would be lying. I am very surprised by what has happened. I need some time, but I do not have enough, since we have a very important match against PFC Naftex on Saturday.

'We've been together a long time'
"Until a year ago, I was still playing, then I became an assistant, and now head coach," he continued. "I know the team well, we've been together for a long time. I count on my players' professionalism and on myself."