Former USSR national team goalkeeper and Spartak alumnus Anzor Kavazashvili weighed in on the rumor that coach Alexander Kerzhakov is set to take the helm at Cypriot club Karmiotissa. Earlier, the club owner, Dmitry Punin, announced on February 8 that a specialist would arrive soon.
“I am confident that Sasha himself selected this role. He is a remarkable football figure for Russia and a gifted coach. His work in Nizhny Novgorod already proved his capabilities. He could have pursued opportunities within our clubs, but perhaps he was discouraged by what he viewed as judicial irregularities in the Russian championship. So he chose a break and looked abroad. The chance to coach in a country with friendly climate is a welcome one”, said Kavazashvili, cited by DEA News.
Kerzhakov’s most recent club was Paris Nizhny Novgorod, where he departed in June 2022. Under his guidance, the team finished 11th in the Russian Premier League last season, earning 33 points. This placement helped the club avoid relegation to the playoff zone for the right to stay in the top tier after moving up from the National Football League.
Former player Dmitry Bulykin expressed a desire to see Kerzhakov continue his work in the Russian Premier League.