Earlier today, October 16, the Ukrainian league champions Shakhtar Donetsk and head coach Patrick van Leeuwen called it quits.
Less than three months after he was appointed, Shakhtar Donetsk opted to fire the Dutch tactician because of his dismal performance, particularly in the league.
Despite signing a two-year contract in July 2023, Van Leeuwen managed the Ukrainian champions for just 12 games across all competitions before being fired from the team.
Shakhtar Donetsk did not name his replacement when they announced Van Leeuwen’s dismissal earlier today, as he left with his coaching staff.
According to Naija News, the Dutchman was fired by the Ukrainian team, which plays its home league games at Arena Lviv in Lviv, Ukraine, because of the ongoing crisis between the country and Russia, which has severely affected the city of Donetsk. The team had lost 2-1 to Vorskla Poltava at home.
October 4’s 3-2 Champions League group stage victory over Royal Antwerp was Van Leeuwen’s final competitive match as the team’s manager.
They have played nine games and earned eighteen points, which puts them in third place in the league table after five victories, three draws, and one loss.
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The club’s director, Darijo Srna, may take on the role of temporary manager for their upcoming league match against LNZ on October 21 while they look for a new coach.