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Michael BiruykovFootball player. Goalkeeper.
Date of Birth: 07.05.1958
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Zenith Leningrad
- International Career
- Post-Playing Career
- Coaching Career
- Managerial Success
- Zenith Legacy
Early Life and Career
Mikhail Birjukov was born in Orekhovo-Zuevo, Russia. He began his football career with his hometown club, Znamya Truda, and later moved to Amur Blagoveshchensk in the second league.
Zenith Leningrad
In 1980, Birjukov joined Zenith Leningrad, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Soviet Union. He played for the club for 11 years, making 383 appearances in all competitions and keeping 123 clean sheets. He was an integral part of the team's success, helping them win the Soviet League in 1984.
International Career
Birjukov represented the Soviet Union twice, both times in friendlies against Mexico and Yugoslavia. Despite not playing regularly for the national team, he was highly regarded for his abilities.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring as a player, Birjukov briefly played mini-football for Dina Moscow. He then moved to Finland, where he played for MyPa-47, helping them win the Finnish Cup in 1992 and finish second in the Finnish league in 1993.
Coaching Career
Birjukov returned to Russia in 1994 and began his coaching career with Rotor Volgograd as a goalkeeper coach. He was soon invited back to Zenith, where he served as a goalkeeper coach from 2006 onwards.
Managerial Success
In 2002, Birjukov took over as interim manager of Zenith, leading the team to three consecutive wins. He then joined Petrotrest as a head coach, working alongside his mentor, Yuri Moroz.
Zenith Legacy
Birjukov is the only person associated with Zenith who has played a role in all nine of the club's league titles. As a player, he helped them win the Soviet League in 1984, and as a goalkeeper coach, he contributed to their Premier League triumphs in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019-2022.
