Former Zenit St. Petersburg stalwart Alexander Aniukov has opened up about his post-playing career ambitions, detailing a recent coaching internship and revealing a list of elite European managers he hopes to study under.
In an exclusive interview with Championat.com, Aniukov confirmed he has already completed a practical stint with Krylya Sovetov Samara under head coach Igor Osinkin. The former defender explained that Osinkin's methods are familiar and appealing to him, noting the coach's long-standing collaboration with Dutch specialists at the Konoplev Academy in Togliatti. Aniukov added that he is well-versed in that particular system from his own past work with coaches like Dick Advocaat and Guus Hiddink.
Looking ahead, Aniukov expressed a strong desire to broaden his coaching education by visiting several high-profile European tacticians. He named a specific wish list that includes Luciano Spalletti, Guus Hiddink, Claudio Ranieri, Dick Advocaat, Francesco Farioli, and Diego Simeone. The former international emphasized that if any of these managers were to grant him permission, he would gladly travel to observe their training sessions and methodologies.
Aniukov's career at Zenit spanned over a decade, during which he became a club legend and earned numerous caps for the Russian national team. His transition into coaching reflects a growing trend of former players seeking to impart their experience at the professional level.
The 41-year-old's interest in such a diverse group of coaches—from Serie A winner Spalletti to defensive mastermind Simeone—suggests a desire to absorb a wide range of tactical philosophies. His connection to Dutch football through Advocaat and Hiddink remains a clear influence on his coaching outlook.
For now, Aniukov continues to build his credentials, with his internship at Krylya Sovetov serving as a foundational step. The football community will be watching to see which of his dream mentors might next open their doors to the ambitious former defender.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.