Georgi Chilikov in Talks to Coach in Elite Division Amid Club Restructuring
Former elite division manager Georgi Chilikov is in negotiations for a coaching role, as his current club grapples with relegation threats and leadership changes.
Cameron Jordan
- 2023-12-29
- Updated 02:46 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Extensive talks took place yesterday between Georgi Chilikov and the management of an unnamed elite club, signaling Chilikov's potential return to top-flight football coaching. The negotiation addressed several mutual requirements, with both parties reportedly reaching a substantial agreement. Discussions are set to continue today, aiming to finalize the deal. This move comes amidst difficulties faced by the club to retain Lyuboslav Penev, who is anticipated to accept a position with another team.
Search for New Leadership
As Penev's departure seems more certain, the club, based in Pazardzhik, initiated the search for a new coach. The first candidate, Nikolay Mitov, opted to stay with his current team, redirecting the club's attention to Chilikov. Despite a rocky start with his present team, Chilikov secured several important victories towards the end of the autumn season. Nonetheless, his team remains in danger of relegation. Chilikov's previous experience in the elite division includes a head coach role in the fall of 2021 and an assistant coach position under Dimitar Dimitrov before taking charge of the team in Svoge last summer.
Behind the Scenes Moves
In parallel, Vladi Gadzhev from Pazardzhik is being considered for a directorial role within the club. Gadzhev, who has also received an offer to join Hebar, has expressed his commitment to support the club, though his decision will likely become clear after the New Year. Pazardzhik is undergoing broad restructuring, which will see the installation of a new management board and budget reductions. Additionally, the appointment of a new person responsible for sports adds to various uncertainties currently faced by the club.
Sporting Developments and Fan Engagement Innovations
Beyond management and coaching prospects, there are initiatives aimed at enhancing fan engagement. Sportal.bg has launched Carlsberg "Home of the Fans", a new online section designed to personalize user content and offer prizes through competitions. This fresh approach to involving fans arrives at a tumultuous time for the Pazardzhik team, as it braces for the outcome of management rearrangements and the search for a coach to steer the team away from relegation.
