Exhausted Gazzaev to leave CSKA

Early departure
Gazzaev, who began his second spell in charge of CSKA in 2003 and has led them to three Premier-Liga titles and four Russian Cups as well as the 2005 UEFA Cup, was under contract until 2011 but has opted instead to step down when the current domestic season finishes. The former FC Alania Vladikavkaz, FC Dinamo Moskva and Russia coach, whose team will enter the 2008/09 UEFA Cup in the first round, has endured a difficult year with the side ninth in the league.

Time to change
"The reason for this decision is simple exhaustion," the 53-year-old said. "CSKA, with this squad, have won everything they could. The time has come when the team needs a change. On Monday I asked the president to let me step down. He asked me to stay on until the end of this season. I could not say no to a man who I have had a warm relationship with for all these years. Together we've come a long way. I respect the CSKA president and I am thankful to him for years of co-operation we've had. At the same time I would like to underline that my decision to leave CSKA is final. It will not change under any circumstances. No matter how the team finishes this season, I will leave - even if we win a title."

'Magnificent results'
Club president Eugeni Giner added: "I would like to say straight away that it did not happen because we lost [2-0 at home] to Dinamo last Sunday. Gazzaev wanted to leave before then. This is something that happens to many people who do the same job for a long time. The man is simply tired - it should be taken as normal. Over the last six years we have achieved magnificent results."