Kirichenko named Rostov head coach after Alba's exit
Dmitriy Kirichenko was appointed head coach of FC Rostov, replacing Jonathan Alba, following the dismissal of Alba and his entire coaching staff. The appointment was announced on September 26, 2026.
Consensus
- Dmitriy Kirichenko became the new head coach of FC Rostov.
- He replaced Jonathan Alba, who was dismissed along with his entire coaching staff.
- The appointment was announced on September 26.
- Alba had been with the club since 2018, initially as an analyst, and became head coach in February 2025.
- Rostov was in 12th place in the Russian Premier League after nine games, with eight points.
- The team had lost its last two matches 0:3 to Spartak and Dynamo Moscow.
- Kirichenko previously played for Rostselmash and later worked in Rostov's coaching staff.
- Kirichenko won the UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow in 2005.
- He scored the fastest goal in the history of UEFA European Championship finals during the 2004 tournament.
Points of divergence
- Kirichenko's contract with Rostov is for two years, as stated by general director Andrey Chayka. — fontanka
- No information was provided about the terms or duration of Kirichenko's contract. — vesti
- Rostov's season is referred to as 2026/2027, and the team has eight points after nine games. — kommersant
- Rostov's season is described as the current season, with the team having eight points after nine games. — fontanka
- Kirichenko played for Torpedo Taganrog, Rostselmash, CSKA Moscow, Moscow, Saturn, and Mordovia Saransk during his playing career. — vesti
- Kirichenko played 173 matches and scored 52 goals for Rostselmash. — fontanka
- Kirichenko is ranked fourth in the all-time list of top scorers in Russian league history. — kommersant
- Kirichenko temporarily led Rostov in 2016, guiding the team to its first-ever Champions League group stage by defeating Ajax in qualification. — fontanka
- Kirichenko led Ufa and Ivanovo Tekstilshchik before joining Rostov. — kommersant
- The club's official website stated that the dismissal of Alba and his staff was mutual. — vesti
- The club's leadership cited Alba and his assistants working simultaneously with the Russian national team as a reason for the dismissal. — fontanka
Coverage (3 sources)
- Returned home. UEFA Cup winner heads 'Rostov' — Фонтанка
- Dmitry Kirichenko became the head coach of FC Rostov — Коммерсантъ
- Rostov found a replacement for fired Jonathan Albu — Вести