Dino Skender, a 40-year-old Croatian football coach, is set to take charge of Latvian top-flight club FK Liepāja, as reported by Germanijak. Skender, who has managed Osijek, Olimpija Ljubljana, and Siroki Brijeg, replaces Georgian coach Tamaz Pertia. Pertia, who led the team since 2022, oversaw finishes of 4th, 5th, and most recently 6th in the Latvian Virslīga, a disappointing result that prompted the club to seek new leadership.
Skender brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned to coaching at just 33 years old. He managed Olimpija Ljubljana in two separate stints (2020–2022) before taking over Široki Brijeg in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite his time there ending in May following an underwhelming 8th-place finish, his tactical acumen and ability to rebuild teams remain well-regarded.
FK Liepāja, a club founded a decade ago, has already secured a Latvian league title in 2015 and two domestic Cups. However, the 2024 season saw them finish a staggering 51 points behind league champions RFS, falling short of their ambitions. With a roster featuring players like former Hajduk Split youth talent Marin Laušić and ex-Dinamo Zagreb striker Luiz Paulo Hilario, known as Dodo, the club is eager to return to its competitive best.
Skender will be supported by existing staff, including assistant coach Maciej Stachowiak and sporting director Ivan Djurdjević, as he aims to rejuvenate the team and guide FK Liepāja to greater success. It is unknown yet if Tamaz Pertia will continue to work for FK Liepāja.