Starkovs has managed clubs such as Spartak Moscow in Russia, FK Baku in Azerbaijan and Skonto FC in Latvia.

[1] As a team manager Starkovs made his name with Skonto FC which he brought to innumerable Latvian championships.

He took over the Latvia national team after its disastrous performance in 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and lead the team to its biggest success ever, qualifying for Euro 2004 with a victory over World Cup bronze medalist Turkey.

Besides the work with the Azerbaijan Premier League club he still remained the manager of Latvia national team.

[1] Having been linked with potential moves to various clubs and national teams over time, Starkovs, though, has not taken office at any of them, stating he is "waiting for an interesting offer football-wise".