Zvezda coach Grigoryan resigns
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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Zvezda-2005 coach Aleksandr Grigoryan has resigned in the wake of the 6-0 home defeat by FCR 2001 Duisburg in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Cup final, sporting director Stanislav Kharitonov taking over.
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Zvezda-2005 coach Aleksandr Grigoryan has resigned in the wake of the 6-0 home defeat by FCR 2001 Duisburg in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Cup final.
Humbled
Grigoryan had spoken confidently on the eve of Saturday's first leg of guiding Zvezda to what would have been a first triumph at this level for a Russian club. However, the 42-year-old's side were humbled in Kazan by the German visitors, the heavy loss leaving Zvezda with only pride to play for in Friday's decider in Duisburg.
Caretaker
"I'm taking all the responsibility for the defeat in Kazan," said Grigoryan, who had already stated his intention to move into men's football after the final. "I couldn't prepare the team properly and we were beaten. After that I decided to resign and the club have accepted my decision." Sporting director Stanislav Kharitonov will prepare the team for the second leg.