A struggling Lokomotiv Moscow have fired Leonid Kuchuk, making him the first managerial casualty of the new Russian Premier League season.
The Belarussian, 55, helped the club to third place last season but has paid the price for a poor start to their new campaign as well as dressing room discontent.
The Railwaymen are currently languishing ninth in the table having picked up nine points and suffering three consecutive defeats late last month.
The defeat in the qualifying stages of the Europa League against the Cypriot side, Apollon Limassol proved to be the final straw, as the two time Russian champions crashed out following a 4-1 defeat in the return leg.
Kuchuk was also involved in bust-ups with a number of high-profile players, including Lassana Diarra, who went on strike, saying he would not play under the manager again.
"It wasn't just how the game was played, but it was the reaction to the game," said Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, Lokomotiv's main sponsors.
"It was evident that with Kuchuk there were serious discontent between the coach and the players. It's impossible to work under such conditions."
Igor Cherevchenko has been named as Lokomotiv's caretaker boss, while the local press has linked former Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini to the position.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
