Dynamo Changes Coaches Again

Moscow`s Dynamo soccer team has had 15 coaches in the 13 years it has participated in Russian championships.

Ivo Wortmann, the Brazilian coach of the Moscow team, has had 30 places of employment in 24 years, counting Dynamo. His one-year, $1-million contract included a house, car and free air travel to Brazil, but neither side is likely to have expected it to be carried to conclusion. He was considered a transition coach who would serve while a suitable local replacement was found. All recent indications were that he was to remain somewhat longer, however, and, since 13 members of the team speak Portuguese, games were played with no Russians playing for the team and there were few difficulties with communication. Wortmann saw 13 matches with Dynamo, with four wins, one tie and eight losses, which was clearly not bringing the team closer to the UEFA. The initiative for Wortmann`s departure came from the Russian side.

Team owner Alexey Fedorychev may have found another Brazilian to replace Wortmann. Yury Semin will most likely train the team for the rest of the season. General director of the team Yury Zavarzin has promised to announced the new permanent coach in two to three weeks. He also stated that, next season, the team would have a stronger contingent of Russian players. A minor scandal broke out after one of Dynamo`s Portuguese players expressed his opinion of Russia, its weather and the team earlier this season.


Kommersant

sections: Sport, World News