Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Žarko Lazetić Linked to CSKA Sofia Role

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Žarko Lazetić, who led the team to their last championship in 2024/25, has resurfaced in the news after being dismissed from his position with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ta'awoun. Lazetić was fired after only four games with the Saudi club, having signed a one-year contract worth approximately $2 million. He is reportedly set to receive a modest severance package from Al-Ta'awoun. Lazetić previously coached FK Bačka Topola in Serbia from 2021 to 2024 and has expressed interest in returning to coach in Israel in the future. He recently visited the facilities of Bačka Topola and met with officials from the Serbian national team. Currently, Lazetić is back in Serbia, and speculation links him to the coaching position at CSKA Sofia. Earlier this year, it was reported that Lazetić had opted for compensation from Maccabi Tel Aviv over a potential move to Partizan Belgrade, receiving around 200,000 euros from the Israeli club. Partizan Belgrade is currently struggling in the Serbian league under coach Saša Ilić, who was appointed in June and may face dismissal due to the team's poor start. As of now, there are no open coaching positions in Israel's Premier League.