Former Slavia Sofia manager Zlatomir Zagorčić revealed he received an offer to coach CSKA Sofia, but ultimately declined the position. The Serbian-born coach, who holds Bulgarian citizenship, disclosed the approach while discussing the upcoming match between Slavia and CSKA, according to reporting from Actualno.com on February 21, 2026.
Zagorčić, known affectionately as “Zagi” to Bulgarian fans, led Slavia through three separate stints (2017-2020, 2021-2023, and 2023-2025), achieving the club’s most significant successes of the 21st century – winning the Bulgarian Cup in 2018 and securing a third-place finish in the First League during the 2019-2020 season. He resigned from his position at Slavia following a friendly match against Botev Vratsa in October 2025, as reported by Sportal.bg.
“There was indeed interest from CSKA, I received a call from the club’s management at the time. I was on vacation in Zlatibor when it came as a surprise,” Zagorčić stated, as quoted by Actualno.com. “However, other factors prevented me from taking the job at that moment, which I don’t want to comment on now. But I was happy at Slavia.”
The potential move comes after CSKA acquired Isaac Sole, a key player from Slavia, during the winter transfer window. Zagorčić acknowledged Sole’s rapid integration into CSKA, praising his performance under coach Dobromir Yanev. “He is performing very strongly, and it doesn’t surprise me that he has quickly grow one of the main players in Yanev’s team. He is a player with serious potential, and it was natural for him to take a step up to a club like CSKA,” Zagorčić said.
Zagorčić also noted the impact of Martin Georgiev’s departure to AEK Athens, another top team, on Slavia’s squad. “The team’s performance during the autumn season was strong with them, and now it will take time for their replacements to integrate,” he added.
Currently based in Novi Sad, Serbia, Zagorčić indicated he is taking a break from Bulgarian football, focusing on observing the Serbian SuperLiga, particularly Vojvodina Novi Sad, and anticipating the Partizan-Zvezda derby. Despite his current distance, he expressed his support for Slavia, stating, “I wish the Slavia team victory against CSKA on Saturday, and I believe they can achieve it.”
