Osijek have a new head coach — Željko Sopić takes charge

Croatian club Osijek, where Armenian national team defender Styopa Mkrtchyan plays, has made a change in its coaching staff. The team is now led by 51-year-old Croatian coach Željko Sopić.

Sopić signed a contract until the summer of 2026 with an option to extend. He previously managed Polish side Widzew, as well as Croatian clubs Rijeka and Gorica, and Azerbaijani club Sabah. He will make his debut as Osijek’s head coach in the upcoming league match against Varaždin, which will take place at the club’s home ground — Opus Arena.

Former head coach Simon Rožman from Slovenia had been in charge since March 2025. Under his management, Osijek started the season poorly and currently sit in 9th place (second to last) in the Croatian league table after 11 rounds, earning just 9 points.

Despite the team’s struggles, Styopa Mkrtchyan regularly appeared on the pitch under Rožman — the Armenian defender has played in 10 matches this season.

After his appointment, Sopić stated that he aims to restore the club’s confidence and ambition:

“We are not where Osijek should be. I’m confident we can lift the club out of apathy and start moving forward.”