 |
Alexander ZhuravlevSoviet and Ukrainian football player, coach
Date of Birth: 01.09.1945
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- A Youthful Passion for Football
- Breakthrough with Zarya Luhansk
- Loyalty to Luhansk
- A Resurgence at Shakhtar Kadiivka
- Captain and Defensive Stalwart
- Transition to Coaching
- International Recognition
- June 29, 1972: Uruguay 0-1 USSR
A Youthful Passion for Football
Alexander Zhuravlev grew up in Luhansk, Ukraine, where the local stadium became his playground. Spending countless hours honing his skills, his potential was noticed by Pyotr Buianov, a coach at the Trudovye Reservy youth academy. In 1958, Zhuravlev began his journey under the guidance of Buianov and Alexander Ilyinov.
Breakthrough with Zarya Luhansk
In 1964, Zhuravlev joined Zarya Voroshilovgrad. The same year, he played for Shakhtar Brianka before securing a spot in the illustrious Moscow Dynamo under Konstantin Beskov. Beskov, having worked with Zhuravlev at Zarya in 1965, recognized his potential as a central defender.
Loyalty to Luhansk
Despite Beskov's invitation, Zhuravlev remained loyal to his hometown club. The Luhansk regional leadership, represented by Vladimir Vasilievich Shevchenko, intervened to keep him in Luhansk. However, the arrival of coach Herman Zonin in 1969 left Zhuravlev without a place in the team.
A Resurgence at Shakhtar Kadiivka
Determined to prove his worth, Zhuravlev played for Shakhtar Kadiivka in the first half of the 1970 season. He led the team to victory in 12 of the 13 matches he featured in. From the second half of 1970, he returned to Zarya Luhansk.
Captain and Defensive Stalwart
From 1971 to 1978, Zhuravlev captained Zarya Luhansk. As a defensive stalwart and team leader, he made over 300 appearances in the top flight of the Soviet championship. He was renowned for his exceptional vision, fighting spirit, and powerful shot.
Transition to Coaching
Following his playing career, Zhuravlev became a youth coach at Zarya's youth academy from 1980 to 1983 and 1986 to 1988. In 1989, he was appointed director of the academy. He also led Zarya as head coach in 1985 and 1995 (April to November), mentoring future stars such as Poghodin, Guseynov, Yuran, and Shelaev.
International Recognition
Zhuravlev represented the USSR national team three times in the Independence Cup tournament. He captained the team in all three matches:
June 29, 1972: Uruguay 0-1 USSR
July 2, 1972: Argentina 1-0 USSRJuly 6, 1972: Portugal 1-0 USSR
Honors and Recognition
Soviet Champion (1972)
Soviet Cup finalist (1974, 1975)
Class A Group 2 winner (1966)
Class A Group 2 Reserve winner (1965)
Listed in the Top 33 Soviet Footballers (2nd place, 1972)
Ranked 2nd in the Top 50 Players in Zarya Luhansk's History
