Zamalek have reportedly opened talks with Bulgarian coach Ivaylo Petev as the search for a manager for next season continues.
Ivaylo Petev has emerged among the leading candidates after the club confirmed to have contacted him in recent days. The Bulgarian becomes the latest name linked with the position after former Maghreb de Fes coach Pablo Franco.
Franco initially led Zamalek’s shortlist following his Moroccan league triumph. However, Franco’s agent said Zamalek had only approached his camp through intermediaries.
Petev began his senior coaching career with Lyubimets before joining Ludogorets in 2010. He led the club into Bulgaria’s top division and immediately established them as the country’s dominant side.
During his first spell, Petev won two consecutive Bulgarian league titles. He also claimed the 2012 Bulgarian Cup and Super Cup.
Petev later managed AEL Limassol and finished second in the 2013/14 Cypriot league on goal difference. He then coached Bulgaria from December 2014 until September 2016.
The Bulgarian subsequently joined Dinamo Zagreb and led them to second place in both the Croatian league and cup. Further spells followed with Omonia, Saudi club Al-Qadsiah, and Poland’s Jagiellonia Białystok.
Petev then took charge of Bosnia and Herzegovina in January 2021. He led the national team to promotion into UEFA Nations League A before leaving in December 2022.
He returned to Ludogorets in March 2023 and won another domestic double. That success made him the first coach to complete two doubles with the club.
Petev has won three Bulgarian league titles, two domestic cups and one Super Cup across his two Ludogorets spells.
He later managed Universitatea Craiova before joining Baniyas in May 2025. The Emirati club dismissed him four months later after losing its opening four league matches.
The White Knights have considered several coaches during their search. Their previous candidates included Pedro Emanuel, Alexandre Santos, Uli Forte, and Jamal Sellami.
Zamalek has not yet announced Motamed Gamal’s departure. He led them to their 15th Egyptian Premier League title in May and their first since 2022.