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Balakov handed Litex Lovech reins

Krasimir Balakov, a member of the Bulgaria side that reached the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, will lead PFC Litex Lovech next season after signing a two-year deal.

Krasimir Balakov is taking on his second coaching job in Bulgaria
Krasimir Balakov is taking on his second coaching job in Bulgaria ©Getty Images

PFC Litex Lovech have appointed former Bulgaria midfielder Krasimir Balakov as coach.

Balakov has signed a two-year contract to succeed Miodrag Ješić, who was released by the club on Monday. Litex finished third in the A PFG this season, earning a place in the first qualifying round of the 2014/15 UEFA Europa League.

The 48-year-old made his name as player at Etar Veliko Turnovo, Sporting Clube de Portugal and VfB Stuttgart. He scored 16 goals in 92 appearances for Bulgaria, the highlight of his international career coming when he helped Dimitar Penev's team to the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, a run which included a surprise 2-1 last-eight victory against Germany.

A two-time Bulgarian player of the year, Balakov has previously coached Grasshopper Club, FC St Gallen, PSFC Chernomorets Burgas, HNK Hajduk Split and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.