Former Krasnodar manager Sergei Gurenko recalled how deeply Sergei Galitsky, the club owner, impressed him through his hands-on involvement with team life. He described Galitsky as someone who didn’t merely fund the club; he immersed himself in every facet of the organization, from youth development to daily training routines. This level of engagement helped shape a culture where players, coaches, and staff felt seen and valued, and it left a lasting impression on Gurenko.
“Sergey Nikolaevich shot. He knew all the children in the academy, came to every training, was interested in everything.” The emphasis on relationships within the academy system demonstrated Galitsky’s belief that a strong foundation starts with junior players and the people who nurture them. He also invested significantly in infrastructure, building a stadium that stands as a symbol of the club’s ambitions. For him, there was no need for monuments or street names—the stadium itself tells the story of the project and its impact. That tangible legacy is something everyone can observe and understand, and it adds immense value to the club’s identity, according to Gurenko.
In 2004, Galitsky assumed the roles of owner and president of Avangard Lazarevskoye, and four years later he founded FC Krasnodar. Under his leadership, the club reached notable milestones, including a Russian Cup final appearance and securing bronze medals in the Russian Premier League on three occasions. These achievements underscored a clear strategic vision: steady development, robust youth integration, and competitive performance within Russian football.
Krasnodar’s notable European performance culminated in advancing to the 1/8 finals of the Europa League during the 2016/17 season. This period highlighted the club’s ability to translate domestic progress into stronger showings on a continental stage, reinforcing its growing reputation beyond national borders.
Previously, Krasnodar engaged with the refereeing commission under the President of the Russian Football Union regarding the officiating of a match against Spartak Moscow in the 24th round of the Russian Premier League. The discussions reflected the club’s ongoing involvement in the governance and integrity of Russian football, as it sought to ensure fair play and high standards across competitions.