Rotor Volgograd directors have released Aleksandr Khatskevitch from his post as head coach with immediate effect. The Belarussian had taken Rotor to 13th place, four points clear of the automatic relegation places, but having scored the fewest goals in the RPL with just 12 in 23 matches. 

Khatskevitch was appointed in December 2019 with Rotor top of the FNL standings. Due to the coronavirus pandemic causing a premature end to the 2019/20 season, however, he only oversaw two matches before the club’s return to the top flight in August last year. 

Under his guidance Rotor were one of only two RPL clubs to be knocked out of the Russian Cup at the Elite Round stage, while the league campaign got off to a poor start with just three draws from the opening 12 matchdays.

“"The decision was made carefully, and without emotion,” said Rotor General Director Andrey Rekechinsky. “Coaching changes help to shake up the team, to cheer up. We thank Aleksandr Nikolaevich for the work done and wish him success in his future career."