Dmitry Khokhlov, formerly in charge of Sochi, has clarified that he does not plan to return to coaching in the near future. In a candid reflection reported by Sports Express, Khokhlov explained that his current focus lies elsewhere and that his life has shifted toward family, personal endurance, and balance. He described taking a necessary break from the pressures of professional football and confessed that rest is now a priority. When asked whether he misses the day-to-day grind of coaching, Khokhlov admitted he is fatigued at the moment but did not close the door on the possibility of future involvement in football in some capacity.
Khokhlov’s stint with Sochi was brief but eventful. He assumed the head coaching role on April 10, 2023, guiding the team through a total of 19 matches across all competitions. Under his leadership, Sochi recorded five victories, one draw, and 13 losses. The results reflected the challenges of stabilizing a squad mid-season and aligning tactical plans with the players available at the time. The experience, while not marking a long tenure, is part of Khokhlov’s broader coaching journey in Russian football, one that has touched several clubs and leagues and contributed to his evolving perspective on leadership and team dynamics.
Beyond Sochi, Khokhlov has accumulated a varied coaching résumé. The 47-year-old has previously managed Rotor Volgograd, Dinamo Moscow, and his former youth development club Kuban. His formation as a coach includes time at CSKA’s school system, and his playing career features stints with multiple clubs in Russia and abroad. He wore the kit of Ordu early in his playing days from 1992 to 1996, and he later spent time with Dutch side PSV, Spanish club Real Sociedad, Russian giants Dinamo Moscow, and Lokomotiv Moscow, among others. This diverse background has shaped his approach to football, blending experience from different leagues with a grounded sense of player development and tactical adaptability.
The football community continues to reflect on Khokhlov’s decision to step away from the coaching role at Sochi. A number of former players and colleagues have publicly supported his choice to pause and reassess priorities, emphasizing that career decisions must balance ambition with personal well-being. In interviews and conversations circulated within the sport, there is a shared sense that Khokhlov will remain a respected figure whose insights could inform future roles, whether on the sidelines of a match, in a mentoring capacity, or in a broader football advisory capacity. The emphasis remains on a holistic view of the sport, recognizing the importance of rest, family commitments, and sustainable career planning for coaches and players alike.