Milos Riha named new coach at Avangard
19 Sep 2013 | Davide Tuniz
Czech coach replaces fired Petri Matikainen: "For me it's a new challenge"
Rumours were confirmed: Avangard Omsk announced the appointment of 54 years-old Milos Riha as new coach, replacing Finnish Petri Matikainen, fired two days ago. Prerov native Riha previously coached Khimik Voskresensk, Spatak Moscow, Atlant Moscow Oblast and SKA St. Petersburg in Russia, leading Atlant to KHL finals in 2010-11. Last season he began as head coach of SKA St. Petersburg but was fired at the end of November. Back in Czech Republic as GM of Pardubice, ended the season as head coach after the layoff of Mojmir Trlicik in January.
"Omsk for me it's a new challenge. Firstly I need to get a work visa - it is a matter of few days - and then I'll meet with the team, and only then it will be more or less clear, what we can do, what result to expect. Some good players and a good coach aren't enough to achieve significant victories. It's necessary the sum of the efforts of all employees of the club.And the fans" - said Riha, that admitted: Relax it is certainly good, but I still have the strength and the desire to work for several years at the highest level."