Semion Altman has replaced the dismissed Alexandru Spiridon as the new manager of the national football team of Moldova. Altman, 73, is best known for helping Zimbru advance to the Champions League third qualifying round twenty years ago. 

“I will lead the national team until the end of the qualifying games. I will also remain director of the national teams. After the current qualifying games, we will make the necessary decision. It is a great honor for me to coach the national team,” said Semion Altman.

Altman said his plan is to finish the current qualifying campaign on the 4th place, considering that Moldova shares a group with France, Turkey, Iceland, Albania and Andorra. “I understand the responsibility of this position. The goal is to create a good atmosphere within the national team, which will make serious claims to the stronger opponents. The goal is to take 4th place in the group,” Altman said.

The 73-year-old Ukrainian will have a staff composed of his compatriots. “Alexandr Scripnik, with whom I also worked at Zimbru, will help me. He is an honored coach of Moldova, this title was awarded to him for the performance of the national team of Moldova at the CIS Cup. My son Ghenady Altman will become the goalkeeper coach. Both coaches have a Pro license. The staff will also include Alexandr Trutnev, who will be responsible for the analysis of opponents. Together with him, we have developed a program similar to those used by other national team managers", said Semion Altman.

Semion Altman's debut as head coach of the Moldovan national team will take place on September 7, when Moldova plays away in Iceland.