Karpin quits as Spartak coach

Spartak Moscow coach Valery Karpin has resigned after overseeing one of the worst starts to a season in the club’s history.

The former Russia midfielder steps down with the club bottom of the Premier Liga having picked up only four points from their first five games, and on the back of last week’s Europa League 10-3 quarter-final aggregate defeat to Porto.

“This morning the board of directors accepted my request [to stand down],” Karpin told club website www.spartak.com.

Karpin, who took up the reins in August 2008, will remain at the club in the role of general director.

He said: “The situation was such that I was ready to leave [the club], but the board of directors did not even consider this matter.”

The 42-year-old looks set to lead the team for the last time on Wednesday in a cup match against Krasnodar.

“There is almost no time to search for and appoint a new head coach,” he said. “In all likelihood, the game with Krasnodar will be my last match as Spartak coach.”

Karpin urged the players to start turning things around on the pitch, saying: “The team must play with dignity: for the sake of Spartak and our fans, to whom we owe a debt.

“I really hope that Spartak fans support us in the current difficult situation.”