Ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Lazetić Linked to CSKA Sofia

Serbian coach Žarko Lazetić, who was fired by Maccabi Tel Aviv in January and recently had a short, unsuccessful stint with Saudi club Al-Taawoun, is reportedly a candidate for the vacant coaching position at Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia. CSKA Sofia is seeking a new manager following the resignation of Hristo Yanev.

CSKA Sofia is familiar to Maccabi Tel Aviv, as the Bulgarian team eliminated the Israeli club from the Europa League qualifiers last month. CSKA Sofia won the first leg 3-0 and, despite losing the second leg 3-1 in Sofia, advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score.

According to Bulgarian outlet "Tema Sport," the 44-year-old Lazetić is among the coaches being considered by CSKA Sofia's management. Lazetić is described as a promising coach in his native Serbia, having led Bačka Topola to second and third-place finishes in the Serbian league and a Europa League group stage appearance.

CSKA Sofia confirmed Yanev's resignation earlier this month and is reportedly in the final stages of selecting a new coach. The club has evaluated over 20 candidates, narrowing down the list. Other names mentioned include Spanish coaches Juan Francisco Ferrer-Roblisi and Asier Garitano, while Alexey Shpilevsky is out of contention and José Luis Mendilibar was also considered.

While a Spanish coach is reportedly the leading candidate, the possibility of appointing someone like Lazetić remains. CSKA Sofia is keeping the identity of the final candidate confidential, but an announcement is expected soon. If Lazetić is appointed, he would take charge of the team that recently caused a significant European disappointment for his former club, Maccabi Tel Aviv.