Rostov part with head coach Jonathan Alba and his staff

Rostov have parted with head coach Jonathan Alba and his staff. The club confirmed the 44-year-old Spaniard's departure officially on 24 September. Rostov are 12th in the Russian Premier League after nine rounds, with four defeats in their last five league matches.

General director Andrei Chaika wrote on the club's Telegram channel that Alba joined in 2018 as an analyst-coach. He took charge of the team in February 2025, when Valery Karpin moved to concentrate on the Russia national team. Alba and his staff have since combined the club job with work for the national side.

Chaika was direct about the reasons. He thanked Alba for his service and confirmed the departure.

Chaika dismissed claims that financial troubles prompted the split, adding the departure was amicable.

Alexander Mostovoy, the former Russia and Celta midfielder, was asked about the vacancy and ruled himself out.

Mostovoy completed the Russian Football Union coaching course in March 2025. His licence at its current level allows him to lead only clubs in the Liga PARI and below as head coach. In the Premier League he could only be part of a staff.

Rostov have not named a successor. If Alba's staff are leaving the club altogether, the new appointment would also have to rebuild the coaching group from scratch.