Moldova grateful to Dobrovolski

Igor Dobrovolski is a candidate for any international coach of the year poll after giving renewed self-confidence to a demoralised Moldova side.

National saviour
One of Moldova's most prominent sporting figures, having played in the Soviet Union team that won gold at the 1988 Olympics, the 40-year-old has only just started his coaching career but is already being seen as a national saviour. The reason? He has restored pride to the national side after taking over from Anatol Teslev in December 2006.

Quick ascent
Having returned to Moldova in 2004 to become player-coach at FC Tiligul Tiraspol, Dobrovolski has had a rapid rise to the national-team job. After working as Teslev's assistant, he was given the chance to prove his worth by taking the reins for the remainder of his side's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign – and for many, he has passed his audition with flying colours.

Stability restored
He accepted the head coach's role, with Moldova having collected a solitary point from their first four qualifiers. Since then he has slowly restored stability, and two wins (away to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Malta) and a draw (at home to Turkey) in their last three outings have lifted Moldova off the foot of Group C. "We are very happy we trusted Dobrovolski," said Football Association of Moldova president Pavel Ciobanu. "He has proved his worth as a person and as a coach. Not every national team can boast such a competent man at the helm, and an Olympic champion too."

Extended agreement
Dobrovolski has already been offered an extension to his contract, which expires after Moldova's final qualifier at home to Hungary on 17 November. Ciobanu said: "Of course we want him to stay and continue his work, yet we are facing tough negotiations. It would be a major blow for us if he gets a better offer, but I think staying for two more years would be a great experience for him."

Magic words
Moldova's recent improvement has been all the more impressive given the absence of experienced players like captain Valeriu Catinsus. "No one is guaranteed a place in the squad," said Dobrovolski, who has called up a number of younger players as well as 40-year-old Tiligul defender Serghei Stroenco after a long exile. If such decisions raised eyebrows at the time, they have subsequently been vindicated. "He has made us believe in ourselves," said Moldova striker Viorel Frunză. "He is a great psychologist and can motivate the team with just one or two sentences, so everyone is burning with desire to give their best."