There are conflicting stories about his departure. While Spanish media said he was fired, the Bulgarian insisted he quit for personal reasons and was only waiting to go out with a win.

"At a professional and personal level it is very difficult when your family isn't here," Stoitchkov said a day after Celta's win over Xerez. "My parents aren't here and my wife and children are in Barcelona. I was only waiting for a good game after which to take this decision."

Celta was in the First Division when the former MLS player and assistant coach arrived in April, but he stayed on after it was relegated to the Second Division.

Despite the win, Celta was still only 11th in the standings with 10 points in seven games.