Hayk Milkon appointed new Urartu head coach: Armenian specialist with Champions League experience takes charge

33 year-old Armenian coach Hayk Milkon (Melkonyan), who previously worked at Belgian clubs Club Brugge and Dender, has been appointed the new head coach of FC Urartu. This marks his first coaching experience in Armenian football.

On November 3, Yerevan-based FC Urartu introduced their new head coach. The club has appointed Hayk Milkon, a Belgian coach of Armenian descent who has spent most of his coaching career in Belgium.

Milkon succeeds Robert Arzumanyan, who left the club by mutual agreement on October 28. Following his departure, Francisco Compan served as interim head coach.

Who is Hayk Milkon?

Hayk Milkon (born Hayk Melkonyan) was born on August 24, 1993, in Beirut, Lebanon, into an Armenian family. He moved to Belgium at an early age, where he grew up and began playing football.

Milkon later focused on coaching, progressing from working with youth teams to joining the coaching staff of one of Belgium's leading clubs.

He holds a UEFA Pro coaching licence.

Experience at Club Brugge and in the Champions League

In 2021, Milkon joined Club Brugge from Gent.

He initially took charge of the club's U18 team before working with Club NXT, Club Brugge's youth side competing in Belgium's second division.

In January 2024, Milkon joined Club Brugge's first-team coaching staff. He subsequently worked as an assistant to head coach Nicky Hayen.

As a member of Club Brugge's coaching staff, the Armenian specialist helped the club win the 2023/24 Belgian league title and gained experience in the UEFA Champions League.

During the 2024/25 season, Club Brugge reached the Champions League Round of 16, where they were eliminated by English side Aston Villa.

First senior head coaching role in Belgium

In September 2025, Milkon left Club Brugge to become head coach of Dender, who were competing in Belgium's top division.

At the time, he became the youngest head coach in the Belgian Pro League.

However, his spell at Dender ended in February 2026. Under Milkon's management, the team played 23 competitive matches, recording five wins, six draws and 12 defeats.

After leaving the Belgian club, Milkon remained without a coaching job.

A new chapter in Armenia

His appointment at Urartu marks Milkon's first professional coaching experience in his ancestral homeland.

At the Yerevan club, he will continue his career as a head coach, bringing experience from one of Belgium's strongest clubs, the UEFA Champions League and his previous managerial role in European football.

The 33-year-old specialist will be tasked with improving Urartu's results and preparing the team for the next stage of the season.