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Protasov positive as he takes charge at Astra

"We can achieve good things," said new FC Astra Giurgiu coach Oleh Protasov, who has taken over from Daniel Isăilă after a shaky spell for the Romanian contenders.

Oleh Protasov has taken charge at Astra
Oleh Protasov has taken charge at Astra ©Getty Images

Ukrainian Oleg Protasov has taken charge of Romanian UEFA Europa League contenders FC Astra Giurgiu, with Daniel Isăilă having been dismissed after a poor run of results.

The 50-year-old former Soviet Union forward is back in Romania nine years after a sparkling five-month spell as FC Steaua Bucureşti coach. He left mid-season in 2005/06 to take over at FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk having set Steaua on their way to a league title, and a place in the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

"It is a pleasure to be back, because I have some very fond memories," the former Olympiacos FC, AEL Limassol FC, Iraklis FC, FC Rostov and FC Dinamo Minsk boss said.

Astra have won only one of their last seven games in all competitions, including UEFA Europa League group stage defeats by GNK Dinamo Zagreb and FC Salzburg, but Protasov feels confident that he has the basis of a successful side. "Something went wrong – not just the coach – and we will try to change things," he said.

"Astra have a good side and we can achieve good things in the future. Astra's management have set very high standards, and I have high standards too. Astra can improve and I hope the players understand that."