Bulgarian coach Yasen Petrov, who has been honed by China's soccer scene, will soon become the helmsman of Qingdao Sea Cowboys with his rich coaching experience. The Peninsula Metropolis Daily revealed that Yasen is speeding up the entry procedures, aiming to set foot on Qingdao soil before the New Year's Eve.
The senior management of Qingdao Hainiu Club officially announced that the much-anticipated selection of the head coach for the new season has been finalized. Yasen Petrov, the godfather of Bulgarian soccer, will take over the coaching whip of the Sea Bulls. He has long left a deep mark on the journey of Chinese soccer.
For many Chinese soccer fans, Yasen Petrov's name rings a bell, especially in the hearts of Wuhan and Shijiazhuang fans. His relationship with Chinese soccer began in 1997, when he entered the Chinese soccer field as a Bulgarian international, joining Wuhan Yaqi. It was his coaching career with Shijiazhuang Yongchang that really made him famous in the Chinese soccer world. Affectionately known by fans as "the most approachable manager", Yassen always appeared on the streets after matches, sharing kebabs with fans, a down-to-earth gesture that won him countless fans.Yassen took charge of Shijiazhuang Yongchang for the first time in 2013, and led the team to a successful Super League run the following year, finishing seventh in the Chinese Super League before stepping down from the post in 2016. In 2018, he once again took charge of the Yongchang coaching whip, leading the team to fight for 10 months. His coaching career has also included stints with Henan Jianye and Beijing Beitidai.
It is reported that Yassen will be accompanied by his two right-hand men when he arrives in China. Meanwhile, the Manatees will also retain a Chinese coaching team for the new season, and the list of new coaches is expected to be officially unveiled next week.
