Metalist call on Zavarov
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Article summary
Former Soviet Union midfield player Olexander Zavarov is the new coach of Ukrainian side FC Metalist Kharkiv.
Article body
Litovchenko argument
The 43-year-old has stepped in after his predecessor, Gennadi Litovchenko, and eight players whose contracts had just expired left Metalist to sign for local rivals FC Arsenal Kharkiv, who play in the Ukrainian first division, following a row with the club's board. Metalist lie in seventh place in the Premier League.
French experience
Having ended his playing days with AS Nancy-Lorraine, Zavarov started his coaching career in France with CO Saint-Dizier Football. He subsequently took charge as coach and sporting director of Swiss side FC Wil 1900 before spending last season in Kazakhstan with FC Zhenis Astana.
Greatest achievements
Zavarov was part of the Soviet Union side that finished runners-up at the 1988 UEFA European Championship, and travelled to the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cup finals. He also played for FC Zarya Voroshilovgrad (now FC Zorya Luhansk), SKA Rostov-Na-Donu, Dynamo and Juventus FC. As well as winning two Soviet titles, he lifted the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Dynamo and the UEFA Cup with Juventus.
