Silkin resigns as Dinamo Moskva coach

Sergei Silkin has stepped down as coach of FC Dinamo Moskva in the wake of their 4-0 derby defeat by FC Spartak Moskva on Sunday.

"I decided to quit and have said goodbye to the players," the 51-year-old former Dinamo defender said. "It is purely my decision. It was difficult but I have been very disappointed with the way we have played at the beginning of the season. The team need to improve and I hope my departure helps them do so. I want to thank the players and the board for everything. I wish my beloved club all the best."

After taking the reins in April 2011, Silkin turned the club's fortunes around and guided them to a fourth-placed finish and the Russian Cup final, where they lost to FC Rubin Kazan. The 2012/13 Russian Premier League season has started in ominous fashion, however, and three consecutive defeats – culminating in their weekend thrashing at home to Spartak – convinced Silkin to end his association with Dinamo, which began in 1980.

Reserve coach and former club captain Dmitri Khokhlov will take charge of the second leg of Dinamo's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie with Dundee United FC on Thursday. The first instalment in Scotland ended 2-2.