Kuchuk takes over from Bilić at Lokomotiv

Slaven Bilić has stepped down as coach of FC Lokomotiv Moskva after just one season in charge, with Leonid Kuchuk taking up the reins.

Former HNK Hajduk Split defender Bilić, appointed in May 2012, led the club to ninth in the 2012/13 Russian Premier League – their worst finish since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. The 44-year-old arrived in the capital with a glowing reputation after steering Croatia to the quarter-finals and last 16 of UEFA EURO 2008 and UEFA EURO 2012 respectively during six years at the national-team helm. 

Kuchuk assumes control after guiding FC Kuban Krasnodar to fourth and a place in next term's UEFA Europa League. The 53-year-old Belarusian has previously coached FC Salyut Belgorod and won six titles in as many years with Moldovan outfit FC Sheriff between 2004 and 2010. Among his players will be Ukraine defender Taras Mikhalik, signed today from FC Dynamo Kyiv.