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Metalurh switch Maksymov for Pyatenko

FC Metalurh Donetsk have dismissed coach Yuriy Maksymov in the run-up to their home decider against FK Kukësi, recalling predecessor Volodymyr Pyatenko as interim replacement.

Volodymyr Pyatenko has made a temporary return to the Metalurh bench
Volodymyr Pyatenko has made a temporary return to the Metalurh bench ©FC Shakhtar Donetsk

Yuriy Maksymov has been dismissed as coach of UEFA Europa League contenders FC Metalurh Donetsk, with Volodymyr Pyatenko placed in temporary command at the Ukrainian club.

Former Ukraine midfielder Maksymov, 44, had been in charge of Metalurh for a year, leading them to a fifth-place finish in the 2012/13 Premier-Liha. Yet his position became untenable after his side followed up last week's 2-0 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round defeat at FK Kukësi with a 1-0 league loss at FC Chornomorets Odesa on Sunday – a result which left them with four points from as many top-flight games this season.

"I was sure we would make it through against Kukës in the end, but the board took this decision," said Maksymov. "There is nothing to say. The decision is already made."

The 38-year-old Pyatenko, a former FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalurh defender, comes in as caretaker for Thursday's home second leg against Kukës of Albania. He previously coached the club until 2012, when he was replaced by Maksymov.