Daniel Farke resigns as manager of Russian side Krasnodar without managing a single match

Former Norwich boss Daniel Farke has left his role as manager of Russian Premier League side Krasnodar without taking charge of a single match.

The German was appointed on January 13 and signed a deal until the summer of 2024, only two months after he had been dismissed by the Canaries following a difficult start to life back in the English top flight.

Farke was set to make his managerial debut with Krasnodar last weekend in their first league match after the winter break at home to Lokomotiv Moscow but the fixture was postponed due to the suspension of Krasnodar airport operations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A further announcement from the club on Wednesday confirmed another change in management after Viktor Goncharenko had left at the start of January.

‘Krasnodar and Daniel Farke terminated the contract by mutual agreement,’ a statement on the club’s official Twitter account read.

‘Together with the German coach, his assistants Edmund Riemer, Chris Domogalla and Christopher John leave the club.’

Speaking to Kicker after leaving Krasnodar, Farke said: ‘The current political development and the associated request from our children, wives, families and friends to come home and the loss of all sporting perspectives have now led to this well-considered decision.

‘It is very difficult for us, because we were received very warmly from day one. We formed a great community with different nationalities in a very short time, who wanted to pursue sporting goals together. With joy and fun. Unfortunately, the serious side of life has now caught up with us .’

Farke told a German publication that his departure was down to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Farke spent four-and-a-half years at Carrow Road before his departure in November. 

Farke’s decision to leave Krasnodar follows the resignation of fellow German Markus Gisdol as manager of Lokomotiv Moscow on Tuesday. 

The 52-year-old oversaw just 12 matches in charge before citing his reasons for leaving.

Gisdol confirmed his exit in a statement to Bild: ‘For me, football coaching is the best job in the world.

‘But I cannot pursue my calling in a country whose leader is responsible for a war of aggression in the middle of Europe.

‘That is not in line with my values, which is why I have resigned from my position as coach of Lokomotiv Moscow with immediate effect.

Fellow German Markus Gisdol has also resigned as manager of Lokomotiv Moscow

‘I can’t stand on the training ground in Moscow, train the players, demand professionalism and a few kilometers away orders are given that bring great suffering to an entire people. That is my personal decision and I am absolutely convinced of it.’

Russian clubs have also been affected by the invasion of Ukraine in that they have been suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions.

The decision was made after FIFA faced immense pressure to ban Russia from the World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile Roman Abramovich has handed over ‘stewardship and care’ of Chelsea to its charitable foundation. 

The billionaire has also instructed American bank the Raine Group to handle the sale of Chelsea. 

It is understood that the Russian is targeting American buyers as investment from China, the Far East and Eastern Europe has dried up for clear political reasons, although there are major doubts that any potential buyer will meet his £3billion valuation.