FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.04.2007 19:32

Stoichkov to manage Celta

Former Barcelona man Hristo Stoichkov has been named the new manager of Celta Vigo. The Bulgarian thus steps down as manager of his national side and is set to make his debut as coach of a Spanish league team.

Stoichkov will be given an authentic baptism of fire at the helm of Celta, as his debut match will be none other than the Galician derby at home to Deportivo on Sunday afternoon at 17.00.

Fernando Vázquez was sacked as manager of Celta on Monday, and Stoichkov’s task will be to ensure another season of top flight football at Balaídos next season. Celta are currently third from bottom in the first division, and staring relegation in the face.

A Barça legend

As a player , Hristo Stoichkov firmly left his mark on FC Barcelona. He was one of the most charismatic members of the famous Dream Team of the early nineties that won 4 Leagues, one European Cup, one European Cup Winners Cup, and two Spanish Super Cups. In 1994 he was also part of the Bulgarian team that made it to the semi final of the World Cup. Between two spells at Barcelona he played for Parma in Italy, and saw his career out playing in Japan and the United States.

After retiring, he became manger of the Bulgarian national team in 2004, a post he had held ever since. Celta Vigo will offer the 1994 European Footballer of the Year his first experience of club management.