Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Igor Jovicevich is reportedly on the brink of leaving the club. The Croatian specialist’s fate is set to be decided imminently, with the club said to be considering several options to replace him. One of the leading candidates is Dutch coach Patrick van Leeuwen, who currently manages Lugansk Zorya. The 53-year-old previously worked at Shakhtar’s academy from 2006 to 2013. If appointed, Van Leeuwen would reportedly be joined by Oscar Ratalutra, who coaches Shakhtar’s under-19 team, and Alexey Belik, who was Ratalutra’s assistant.
Donetsk Shakhtar head coach Igor Jovicevich is on the verge of leaving the club. Pitmen’s management has several options to replace the Croatian specialist.
Earlier it was reported that Shakhtar’s mentor, Igor Jovicevich was almost fired. The fate of the 49-year-old Croatian specialist should be decided in the near future.
“According to our sources, the question of Jovićević’s future as Pitmen leader should be decided this week. Who will come instead of the Croats – there are several options,” Football Time reports.
Patrick Van Leeuwen and Igor Jovicevich. Photo: FC Shakhtar
It was previously reported that Dutch specialist Patrick van Leeuwen, who currently leads Lugansk Zorya, could become Shakhtar’s new head coach.
“The club is really considering Patrick van Leeuwen. Oscar Ratalutra, who currently coaches Shakhtar U-19, should join the coaching ranks. Alexey Belik will come instead of Oscar,” added the source.
Van Leeuwen, 53, worked at the Pitmen academy from 2006 to 2013. The Dutchman’s contract with Zorya runs until June 30, 2025.
Also read: Akhmetov sacks Jovičević – the name of Shakhtar’s possible new coach has been named
- Ratalutra has led Shakhtar’s youth team since 2021.
- Belik was Ratalutra’s assistant at Shakhtar U-19, which finished third in the championship.
- Jovićević led Shakhtar in the summer of 2022: 40 matches, 24 wins, 11 draws and five defeats. His contract will expire on June 30, 2024.
