Tiknizyan gets a new coach as Albert Riera takes charge of Red Star Belgrade

Red Star Belgrade have decided on their new head coach. The Serbian giants will be managed by 44-year-old Spanish specialist Albert Riera, who will now also work with Armenia international defender Nair Tiknizyan.

According to Serbian media reports, the two sides have agreed on a two-year contract. Riera will replace Dejan Stankovic, who resigned following Red Star's unsuccessful tie against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Interestingly, the Belgrade club had already considered Riera's candidacy several months earlier. At the time, the Spaniard was enjoying a successful spell with Slovenian side Celje, producing strong results both domestically and in European competition. However, he was still under contract with the club.

Riera later had the opportunity to test himself in the Bundesliga after taking charge of Eintracht Frankfurt. His spell in Germany proved short-lived, as he remained in the position for just 104 days. During that period, the team played 14 matches, recording four wins, four draws and five defeats.

Riera will now continue his coaching career in Serbia. The Spaniard is expected to arrive in Belgrade to complete the formalities and sign his contract with Red Star.

For Nair Tiknizyan, Riera's appointment means adapting to a new coaching staff. The Spanish manager will be tasked with quickly reorganising the team following the managerial change and putting the Serbian powerhouse back on a winning path.

During his playing career, Riera competed at a high level across Europe. He represented Mallorca, Bordeaux, Manchester City, Espanyol, Liverpool, Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Watford and Udinese. The former Spain international is now beginning a new chapter of his coaching career at one of Serbia's most decorated clubs.