Zahari Sirakov (; born 8 October 1977) is a Bulgarian football coach and a former player. He is the manager of Sportist Svoge.
Career Sirakov started his career with Levski Kyustendil, but made a name for himself in Bulgaria while playing for Levski Sofia. On 24 September 1999, he scored a last-minute goal against Litex Lovech in an A Group match to bring the score to 1–1 in the heated derby encounter, prompting a brief pitch invasion by joyous Levski supporters. Sirakov was also notable for his sportsmanship, on one occasion shaking the hand of referee Atanas Uzunov after receiving a red card in a match against CSKA Sofia. He has remained popular with Bulgarian supporters even after starting his Russian adventures.
In February 2004, Sirakov signed with Russian club Amkar Perm. After more than 11 years with Amkar, Sirakov ended his career at the end of 2014–15 season.
International career After first receiving a call-up for a friendly match against Morocco prior to the 1998 World Cup, but withdrawing due to an injury, Sirakov made his debut for Bulgaria against Poland on 6 September 1998. However, he received his second cap in 2007 during UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying. In August 2010, he earned a recall to the national side due to an injury suffered by Georgi Sarmov and on 11 August 2010, he came on as a substitute in the 0–1 away loss in a friendly match against Russia.
Managerial career Sirakov became a youth coach in Levski in 2015, right after announcing retirement. In 2018 he become a coach of Levski U15 and in 2020 he was promoted to U17 team.Захари Сираков In November 2020 he was announced as the new manager of Ludogorets III, together with the U19 team.Захари Сираков подписа с Лудогорец In January 2024 he was promoted to manager of Ludogorets Razgrad II in Second League.Захари Сираков поема дубъла на Лудогорец In August 2024, Sirakov was appointed as interim manager of the first team after Georgi Dermendzhiev stepped down as head coach following the club's elimination from the Champions League. In his first match in charge, he led the “eagles” from Razgrad to a 1:0 league win over former club Levski Sofia.
Managerial statistics
TeamFromToRecordGWDLWin %GFGAGD Ludogorets Razgrad III23 December 20211 January 202414864+84 Ludogorets Razgrad II8 January 2024present2620+6 Ludogorets Razgrad (interim)15 August 202426 September 2024143+11Total18887+101
Personal life Sirakov is married to Irina and they have a son named Aleksandar.
Honours
Club PFC Levski Sofia Champion of Bulgaria -2000, 2001 Bulgarian Cup 1998, 2000
APOEL Cypriot Super Cup : 2002
References
External links Profile at Amkar