Stoichkov enjoys winning start as Litex boss
Marcelo Nicasio's hat-trick gave Litex Lovech's new coach Hristo Stoichkov a winning start to his tenure in a 3-0 victory over Vidima-Rakovski on Saturday as the Bulgarian league resumed after the winter break.
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"The team won the three points, not Hristo Stoichkov," the former European Footballer of the Year, who replaced Atanas Dzhambazki earlier this year to coach a club in his native country for the first time, told reporters.
"I'm extremely pleased with my players' discipline," added Stoichkov, who had a reputation as a player for his aggressive manner on the pitch, often arguing with referees and opponents.
Brazilian striker Nicasio, who also made his debut for the Oranges fired champions Litex ahead with a superb scissor-kick after seven minutes.
The 29-year-old doubled their lead with another splendid volley midway through the first half and then made it 3-0 after a fine solo run four minutes from time.
"He's a wonderful player, who lives with the thought of scoring goals," said Stoichkov, who has so far been unable to match his playing achievements as a coach.
Surprise leaders Ludogorets continued their impressive run with a 3-0 win over Beroe Stara Zagora with Ivan Stoyanov scoring twice after the break and fellow Bulgaria international Emil Gargorov adding a late third.
Newcomers Ludogorets, based in the town of Razgrad which has a population below 35,000, are top on 39 points from 16 matches.
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