Blokhin takes command at Moskva
Friday, December 14, 2007
Article summary
Oleh Blokhin is back in work only eight days after resigning as coach of Ukraine – having been enticed by an offer from Russian Premier-Liga outfit FC Moskva.
Article body
Former Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin has been named the new coach of FC Moskva, with his predecessor Leonid Slutski having left at the end of the season.
Quick return
The 55-year-old has signed a three-year contract to take over a Moskva side who finished the 2007 campaign in fourth place in Russia's Premier-Liga. His decision to accept the job comes only eight days after he left the helm of his country's national team.
National service
Blokhin spent four years as Ukraine coach, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup on their first appearance at a major tournament. He stepped down after failing to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008™. Previously in charge of Olympiacos CFP, PAOK FC, Ionikos FC and AEK Athens FC, Blokhin oversaw 21 victories, 14 draws and eleven defeats during his Ukraine reign.
Soviet star
In addition, Blokhin is considered one of the finest players the Soviet Union produced. With 42 goals in 112 internationals, he was the USSR's highest scorer and most-capped player. As a forward he also claimed seven titles with FC Dynamo Kyiv between 1969 and 1987 as well as the 1975 and 1986 UEFA Cup Winners' Cups and the 1975 UEFA Super Cup. The 1975 Ballon d'Or winner was voted Player of the Year three times in the USSR and nine times in Ukraine.