Shakhtar Donetsk President Rinat Akhmetov’s decision to replace head coach Igor Jovicevich has received support from former Dynamo Kyiv striker and expert Viktor Leonenko. The Ukrainian club won their 14th title under Jovicevich but were knocked out of the Champions League group stages and Europa League round of 16. Shakhtar are reportedly considering four candidates to replace Jovicevich: Patrick van Leeuwen, Arne Slot, Gennaro Gattuso, and Vincenzo Italiano. Jovicevich’s contract with the club runs until June 30, 2024. Leonenko said, “Akhmetov did the right thing, the fans will be happy.”
Former Dynamo Kyiv striker, and now a famous expert Viktor Leonenko commented on Shakhtar Donetsk President Rinat Akhmetov’s decision to change the head coach.
Earlier it became known that Shakhtar decided to fire 49-year-old Igor Jovicevich after winning the 14th title of the Ukrainian champion.
- Also read: “The decision about Jovicevich was made and announced by Akhmetov”: a famous commentator confirmed the change of coach at Shakhtar
Viktor Leonenko supports Donetsk club president Rinat Akhmetov in this matter.
“About Jovicic. I think Rinat Akhmetov did the right thing. Dnipro-1, by the way, is lucky that he was brought to Shakhtar, because they will not take second place. This is my personal opinion.
Akhmetov did the right thing, the fans will be happy,” Leonenko said on his telegram channel.
Rinat Akhmetov. Photo: FC Shakhtar
According to various sources, Shakhtar are considering at least four candidates to replace Jovićević – Patrick van Leeuwen, Arne Slot, Gennaro Gattuso and Vincenzo Italiano.
- Jovićević took over Shakhtar in the summer of 2022. With him, the team won the UPL, finished third in the Champions League group stage and reached the 1/8 finals of the Europa League.
- The mentoring contract with Pitmen lasts until June 30, 2024.
- Previously, the Croatian worked in Karpaty (2014-2015), Slovenia Celje (2016-2017) and in the structure of Dinamo Zagreb, including the base (2017-2020).
