Former Ludogorets manager Georgi Dermendzhiev, 64, is one of Bulgaria's most successful club coaches. Reuters
Former Ludogorets manager Georgi Dermendzhiev, 64, is one of Bulgaria's most successful club coaches. Reuters
Former Ludogorets manager Georgi Dermendzhiev, 64, is one of Bulgaria's most successful club coaches. Reuters
Former Ludogorets manager Georgi Dermendzhiev, 64, is one of Bulgaria's most successful club coaches. Reuters

Georgi Dermendzhiev: Bulgaria appoint new coach in wake of racism row


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Bulgaria appointed Georgi Dermendzhiev as new national football manager in place of Krasimir Balakov who quit last week in the wake of 6-0 loss against England overshadowed by racist abuse.

"Georgy Dermendzhiev is the new Bulgarian national team coach. All has been agreed, he's the new manager. We'll finalise the documents tomorrow," Bulgarian Football Union vice president Yordan Lechkov was quoted as telling sportal.bg sports website on Monday.

Dermendzhiev confirmed the news to another sports website, gong.bg, adding that he expected to sign his contract "today or tomorrow".

The 64-year-old coach is one of Bulgaria's most successful club managers. He led Ludogorets to three Bulgarian league titles from 2015 to 2017 and to the group stages of the 2015 Champions League.

After Ludogorets, he coached Kazakhstan's Ordabasy before briefly taking the helm at Levski Sofia.

Balakov, who took over the national team in May, quit on Friday after the Euro 2020 qualifiers loss against England.

Monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes during the game sparked a storm of indignation, prompting the resignation of Bulgarian Football Union's president Borislav Mihaylov and the organisation's whole executive committee.

Bulgaria are in a hurry to pick a new coach ahead of their last Euro 2020 qualifying game against the Czech republic on November 17.

Bulgaria are last in Group A but still have a chance to qualify for the Euros through the play-offs.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Last five meetings

2013: South Korea 0-2 Brazil

2002: South Korea 2-3 Brazil

1999: South Korea 1-0 Brazil

1997: South Korea 1-2 Brazil

1995: South Korea 0-1 Brazil

Note: All friendlies

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

Specs%20
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