DUBAI // Gabriel Calderon became Al Wasl’s new coach on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal with the Dubai club.
The Argentine, who managed Real Betis for the final five months of last season's Spanish Primera Liga, replaced Jorginho following the termination of the Brazilian's contract late Monday.
Jorginho, appointed in April, although he did not officially assume the position until two months later, had endured a difficult start to the 2014/15 campaign, winning one of his six matches in charge. Wasl currently sit 10th in the Arabian Gulf League.
The run prompted the club to seek an alternative – their ninth coach since Diego Maradona was dismissed in 2012 – and they eventually opted for Calderon. The former Argentina international midfielder, 54, knows well not only the region, but also the UAE top flight, having managed Baniyas for six months from November 2011.
During his time in Abu Dhabi, Calderon steered the relegation-threatened club to safety, finishing ninth, while he guided Baniyas into the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League for the first time in their history. They advanced to the President’s Cup final, too, losing 3-1 to Al Jazira.
However, Baniyas chose not to extend Calderon’s contract beyond the 2011/12 season, citing a breakdown in relationship between the coach and a selection of his senior players. By the time he departed, Calderon’s league record included five victories and eight losses in 18 matches.
Previously, he coached in Saudi Arabia, first with the national team in 2004, and then at Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. Calderon has also managed the national teams of Oman and Bahrain.
Wasl’s fourth manager of the past year, Calderon will be introduced in his latest role tomorrow. His first match in charge will take place on Saturday, in a league encounter at top-of-the-table Al Wahda.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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