Balakov plays down reports

Hajduk Split boss Krassimir Balakov has denied he has held talks with Hertha Berlin regarding the German club's vacant manager's job.

Bulgarian linked with move to become Skibbe successor

Hajduk Split boss Krassimir Balakov has denied he has held talks with Hertha Berlin regarding the German club's vacant manager's job. The former Bulgaria international is considered the frontrunner for the job following the sacking of Michael Skibbe last Sunday after just 52 days in charge. Rene Tretschok and Ante Covic are looking after Hertha on a caretaker basis, but reports continue to link Balakov with a move to the Bundesliga strugglers. The 45-year-old, though, has played down suggestions he is in line to succeed Skibbe in the German capital. Balakov told Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija: "I am under contract with Hajduk Split and I have a clear agreement with the club. "The rest is just pure gossip. I am manager of Hajduk Split."