Metsu likely to replace Maradona at Wasl
Al Wasl dismissed head coach Diego Maradona after a “comprehensive study of all technical aspects,” an official club statement confirmed on Wednesday evening.
The Argentinian legend was sacked late on Tuesday night following a below-par first season at Zabeel Stadium, where he could only guide the Cheetahs to a disappointing eighth place in the Etisalat Pro-League.
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However, in a concerted effort to ensure there are no hard feelings between the two parties, Wasl have invited Maradona to attend a “farewell ceremony” that shall supposedly “reflect the unique and strong relationship between them.”Speaking at a hastily arranged press conference, Wasl vice-chairman Mohammed bin Dukhan said he expected to unveil Maradona’s replacement next week, with “four or five” names in the frame.
“We see this as the right time to decide upon the termination of the contract,” he explained. “We cannot deny that Diego Maradona is the best football player all over the world and also that he’s a qualified coach. He’s added already to the Al Wasl football team.
“On a personal basis, we are not happy to terminate the contract of Diego Maradona. We said before though that we should keep away from the emotional feelings towards this decision.
“We will appoint the new coach for the sake of Al Wasl after a comprehensive, technical study of all aspects.”
Bin Dukhan would not be drawn on whether ex England boss Sven Goran Eriksson or former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp were in the running to replace Maradona.
“There are a lot of coaches on the main table of Al Wasl Football Club. We will discuss them and make a decision at the right time,” Bin Dokhan added.
“We will look for a technical coach who will support Al Wasl to be back again among the championships.
“We’re looking for someone ready to get the rewards and championships for Al Wasl in the next stage.
“Bruno Metsu is one of the names that are available now on the Al Wasl table and we hope that will announce the decision regarding the new coach next week.
“We’re very near to signing with a coach and our technical committee are doing their work just for Al Wasl’s sake.”
He also refused to disclose the exact compensation package due to their former coach after severing Maradona’s contract of employment halfway through its two-year duration owing to a mutual confidentiality agreement.
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