Metalurh to take foreign option
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Article summary
FC Metalurh Donetsk plan to tempt a foreign coach to Ukraine following the resignation of Semen Altman.
Article body
Highest finish
Altman led Metalurh to a top-three finish for the first time in the club's history last season and subsequently the UEFA Cup, where his side were humbled 10-2 on aggregate by Germany's SV Werder Bremen. Metalurh have struggled to find consistency since and were eliminated from the Ukrainian Cup by FC Volyn Lutsk and finished the first half of the Premier League season in fifth place.
'Respect the choice'
Altman said of his decision to stand down: "I met club officials after the training camp in Turkey. Chairman Serhiy Taruta thanked me for the work I've done and said he envisages a foreign coach assuming the responsibility for this club. I accept and respect this choice."
'Nothing to hide'
The 56-year-old continued: "I can look every person in Donetsk in the eye as I have nothing to hide. I honestly think I did my best here during my three-and-a-half years. I would like to think the new coach will build on the achievements of this young side."
Scala example
Nevio Scala became the first foreign coach to work in the city when he took charge of FC Shakhtar Donetsk, guiding them to the double in 2002 before standing down following elimination from the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup. The Ukrainian season resumes on 8 March.
