Marko Nikolić Steps Down as Head Coach of CSKA Moscow
The Serbian coach's departure from the Russian club has surprised fans and management alike, amid speculation about his future.
Marko Nikolić has officially stepped down as the head coach of PFK CSKA Moscow, a decision announced by the club on [insert date].
This departure comes after a brief but impactful tenure, during which he led the team to the Russian Cup, marking a significant achievement in the club's history.
In his statement to fans, Nikolić expressed that he conveyed his decision to management, including executive figures Maksim Oreshkin, Evgeny Giner, and Roman Babaev, on Friday night.
He described the decision as one of the most challenging in his career but insightful about his readiness for new challenges.
Nikolić emphasized the importance of respecting his choice and requested not to be persuaded to stay.
The coach, who took charge of CSKA in June 2024, noted his profound affection for the team and its supporters, stating, "CSKA will always be first for me." He acknowledged the strong rapport he developed with club officials, players, and staff and emphasized that his departure was not driven by financial reasons, contrary to media speculation.
Rather, he referred to personal and familial factors influencing his career decisions.
Nikolić's coaching staff, including Radoje Smiljanić, Goran Basarić, and Aleksandar Rogić, will also exit the club alongside him.
CSKA Moscow's management expressed their surprise and disappointment at the sudden change, with General Director Roman Babaev thanking Nikolić for his exceptional work in uniting the team.
Under his leadership, CSKA achieved notable success, including securing the Russian Cup by defeating FC Rostov in penalties after a goalless match.
This victory marked the first time since 2009 that CSKA clinched the cup, a feat previously accomplished only by the famed Brazilian coach Zico.
During the last Premier League season, CSKA finished in third place with 59 points, significantly outperforming expectations.
The championship title went to FC Krasnodar, with Zenit St. Petersburg finishing second, and Spartak Moscow, coached by Dejan Stanković, placed fourth.
As speculation mounts regarding his next role, reports suggest that Nikolić may take over as head coach of AEK Athens in Greece.
The urgency for CSKA's management to find a replacement has heightened, as they prepare for the upcoming season amid leadership changes.
This departure comes after a brief but impactful tenure, during which he led the team to the Russian Cup, marking a significant achievement in the club's history.
In his statement to fans, Nikolić expressed that he conveyed his decision to management, including executive figures Maksim Oreshkin, Evgeny Giner, and Roman Babaev, on Friday night.
He described the decision as one of the most challenging in his career but insightful about his readiness for new challenges.
Nikolić emphasized the importance of respecting his choice and requested not to be persuaded to stay.
The coach, who took charge of CSKA in June 2024, noted his profound affection for the team and its supporters, stating, "CSKA will always be first for me." He acknowledged the strong rapport he developed with club officials, players, and staff and emphasized that his departure was not driven by financial reasons, contrary to media speculation.
Rather, he referred to personal and familial factors influencing his career decisions.
Nikolić's coaching staff, including Radoje Smiljanić, Goran Basarić, and Aleksandar Rogić, will also exit the club alongside him.
CSKA Moscow's management expressed their surprise and disappointment at the sudden change, with General Director Roman Babaev thanking Nikolić for his exceptional work in uniting the team.
Under his leadership, CSKA achieved notable success, including securing the Russian Cup by defeating FC Rostov in penalties after a goalless match.
This victory marked the first time since 2009 that CSKA clinched the cup, a feat previously accomplished only by the famed Brazilian coach Zico.
During the last Premier League season, CSKA finished in third place with 59 points, significantly outperforming expectations.
The championship title went to FC Krasnodar, with Zenit St. Petersburg finishing second, and Spartak Moscow, coached by Dejan Stanković, placed fourth.
As speculation mounts regarding his next role, reports suggest that Nikolić may take over as head coach of AEK Athens in Greece.
The urgency for CSKA's management to find a replacement has heightened, as they prepare for the upcoming season amid leadership changes.
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