Former Armenia Head Coach Oleksandr Petrakov Takes Charge of Kryvbas

Former Armenia national football team head coach Oleksandr Petrakov is returning to coaching after a two-year break. The 69-year-old Ukrainian specialist has confirmed that he has signed a contract with Kryvbas, a club competing in the Ukrainian Premier League.

In an interview with Sport.ua, Petrakov revealed that the agreement was signed on October 20, 2026, during a meeting with Kryvbas president Kostiantyn Karamanits and general director Volodymyr Bayenko.

Petrakov will replace Dutch coach Patrick van Leeuwen, who left the club following a disappointing start to the season.

Petrakov Aims to Guide Kryvbas Out of Crisis

The former Armenia head coach faces a difficult challenge. Kryvbas have collected just five points from seven matches and currently sit bottom of the Ukrainian Premier League table in 16th place.

Petrakov noted that the squad includes young and promising players who still lack experience. His main priority is to improve the team's results and help the players regain confidence in their abilities.

"It's a difficult task. The team is very young and lacks experience. But that's all right, we'll try to help the lads believe in themselves," the coach said.

Serhiy Popov, who previously worked within Dynamo Kyiv's structure, is expected to become one of Petrakov's assistants.

Kryvbas are scheduled to play their first match under Petrakov on October 25, when they face Bukovyna Chernivtsi.

Petrakov previously managed the Armenia national team from January 2023 until October 2024. Following his departure, he remained out of coaching for two years.

Earlier in his career, Petrakov also managed the Ukraine senior national team and led Ukraine's U20 side to victory at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup.