DUBAI // Having been yet again promoted to lead Al Wasl, Saleem Abdelrahman says his first assignment is to raise morale at the struggling Dubai club.
The Emirati this week reprised his role as interim coach at the Zabeel Stadium, following the dismissal of Hector Cuper, the Argentine who was let go four months into his 18-month contract.
Cuper's removal had been expected, as he had failed to spark Wasl's season: in 16 matches, his side recorded four victories to slip to 10th in the Arabian Gulf League.
Abdelrahman assumes control of the first team for what could well be until the end of the campaign, although Wasl are said to be currently seeking a more permanent solution, with a club source telling The National they would most likely appoint a Brazilian coach.
For now, though, Abdelrahman’s focus is on rejuvenating the squad ahead of the resumption of the league against Dubai club, the division’s bottom side, on March 22.
“We are trying to return the smile to the Wasl supporters, and for the restoration of stability and morale of the players,” Abdelrahman told the Arabic press. “We seek to intensify our preparations for the Dubai match, and restore the confidence of the players in the coming period.
“Dubai will not be easy, as they are looking for three points to improve their league ranking. We have stressed that they will be preparing seriously for this.”
Abdelrahman has been in this position before, when he manned the dugout for three matches earlier this season after Laurent Banide was dismissed.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at SprtNationalUAE
