SPORTS
LOTHAR MATTHAUS TO BE NEW BULGARIA COACH
Baku, September 21 (AZERTAC). Former German World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus has agreed to become Bulgaria`s new national team coach.
BFU president Borislav Mihaylov said the 49-year-old will be unveiled in the next few days and has agreed a one-year deal with the option of two more years.
Matthaus was boss of Hungary in 2004-05 and has also coached a number of clubs, including Austria`s Rapid Vienna.
Bulgaria next face Wales on 8 October in Euro 2012 qualifying Group G, which also contains England.
Bulgaria were beaten 4-0 by Fabio Capello`s men at Wembley on 3 September and then lost their next game 1-0 at home to Montenegro four days later - results that led Matthaus` predecessor, Stanimir Stoilov, to resign.
“We need a foreign coach with a strong background whom the players will respect,” said Mihaylov.
Matthaus, who won a record 150 caps for Germany and led them to World Cup success in 1990 as a player, was named as the first Fifa World Player of the Year in 1991.
Bulgaria host England on 2 September 2011 and Wales on 11 October of the same year in Euro 2012 qualifying.