Slutski to combine CSKA Moskva role with Russia

Leonid Slutski has been appointed Russia coach in succession to Fabio Capello, while retaining his role at the helm of CSKA Moskva.

Slutski, 44, has signed a contract until the end of UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying, with Russia third in Group G, four points adrift of second-placed Sweden. His first game at the helm will be Sweden's visit to Moscow on 5 September; his CSKA team are involved in the UEFA Champions League play-offs having beaten Sparta Praha in this week's third qualifying round.

"The Russian football authorities turned to the club with a request to let me take charge of the national team for the next four months," said Slutski. "Regarding this situation, which is difiicult, I couldn't refuse. Of course, it will be tough, but I am grateful for their confidence. Also, I would like to thank CSKA for allowing me to coach two teams at once."

Vitaly Mutko, Russian sport minister, added: "We have stated many times that, at this stage, a Russian coach should lead the national team. Slutski's work at CSKA has been successful and effective and I believe he is the coach who is able to complete the task of qualification for UEFA EURO 2016. I think it is the best possible decision we could take."

Slutski began his coaching career in youth football at Olimpia Volgograd and then worked at Uralan Elista, FC Moskva and Krylya Sovetov Samara, before being installed at CSKA in October 2009. He has won two titles and one Russian Cup with CSKA, who finished second in last season's Russian Premier League.