Alexander Khatskevich, the former head coach of Volgograd Rotor, discussed his stint with the Russian club in a candid interview, describing it as the most challenging period of his coaching career. The Belarusian coach did not shy away from tough memories, recalling that the move to Volgograd was a decision he would weigh carefully in hindsight. His reflections paint a picture of a season marked by pressure, high expectations, and a relentless pace that tested both players and staff.
During his tenure, Khatskevich led Rotor from December 2019 through March 2021. In the Russian Premier League, the team played 23 matches under his management, posting four victories, six draws, and thirteen losses. The results reflected a side navigating the ups and downs common to mid-table teams striving to secure stability in a competitive league, with occasional flashes of quality that suggested potential for improvement.
Rotor’s campaign in the Russian Cup culminated with a defeat to Krylia Sovetov Samara, a club that at that time was competing in the First League. The loss highlighted the challenges Rotor faced in cup competition as they worked to balance domestic league duties with knockout fixtures. At the moment Khatskevich stepped away from the club, Rotor stood 13th in the national standings, a position that underscored the pressure to reverse a disappointing stretch and rebuild momentum for the following season.
Commentary from journalist Ivan Karpov offered a glimpse into the financial aspect surrounding Khatskevich’s role. Public disclosures indicated that the coach earned a monthly salary exceeding one million rubles, supplemented by bonuses tied to team performance. In total, the reported earnings from Rotor reached around 17 million rubles, a figure reflecting the compensation structures often observed in top-tier club football where performance rewards are a key feature of contracts.
Khatskevich’s coaching career prior to Rotor included a broad spectrum of responsibilities. He worked with youth squads in Belarus, contributed to the development pipeline at Vitebsk, and held roles with the national teams of Belarus and Ukraine. His experience also encompassed leadership positions at Dynamo Kyiv and an assistant head coach post with the Ukrainian national team, experiences that shaped his approach to player development, tactical planning, and adaptability in different football cultures.
The broader context of Khatskevich’s career reflects a trajectory familiar to many coaches who transition between national teams, club sides in strong leagues, and roles that demand rapid adaptation to varying levels of resources, fan expectations, and competitive pressures. While his time at Rotor is remembered for its difficulties, it also contributed to his evolving understanding of managing teams in a challenging environment and balancing long-term development with immediate results.