Balakov appointed as as head coach of Bulgaria national squad

Krasimir Balakov was appointed head coach of the Bulgaria national team. The 53-year-old former Bulgaria international replaces former teammate Petar Hubchev, who was appointed in 2016. 

Krasimir Balakov played in the Bulgaria team that reached the last four at the 1994 World Cup. AFP/Dimitar Dilkoff

Balakov, who played in the Bulgaria side that reached the semi-finals at the 1994 World Cup, said: "We will make every effort to qualify for Euro 2020. But we are not magicians.

Bulgaria are second in their Euro 2020 Group A after draws against Montenegro and Kosovo. They visit the Czech Republic on 7 June and host Kosovo on 10 June .

His contract will run from 1 June until the end of the 2022 World Cup qualification stages in November 2021.