UAE FA chairman Yousef Al Serkal confirms Diego Maradona is on shortlist for national team coaching job
The UAE FA is searching for a new coach but says they are not after big name, although they have admitted the Argentine legend is of interest.
Diego Maradona is among the candidates for the vacant UAE coaching job, according to UAE Football Association (UAE FA) chairman Yousef Al Serkal.
UAE's top job is currently being filled by Dr Abdullah Misfir in an interim basis following Srecko Katanec's sacking in September after the team's poor 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
UAE's top job is currently being filled by Dr Abdullah Misfir in an interim basis following Srecko Katanec's sacking in September after the team's poor 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Al Serkal told Arabic newspaper Al Ittihad that Maradona, who currently coaches UAE Pro-League outfit Al Wasl, would be considered for the position however he added they weren't necessarily after a big name.
"Yes, we have thought of Maradona to lead the team. He is one of the names you cannot lose sight of, especially since he is already here," Al Serkal said.
"But we have to consider the financial aspects. Our goal is to announce a new manager before the end of the season, but I hope we can resolve this issue before that so the new manager can watch some of the league matches."
There has been various names linked with the role including Marcello Lippi, Frank Rijkaard and Dick Advocaat but Al Serkal refused to disclose any names of candidates.
He added: "We are still in the negotiating stage and as I said, there are financial aspects to be considered.
"We are not after a big name, but we want a man who can build the confidence of our players. He needs to be a man our players can trust because I believe that was one of the biggest reasons for the failure of the former coach.
"So we are looking for a coach who can instil confidence in the players, develop team unity and cohesion."
Maradona previously admitted he was interested in the UAE coaching role, saying it would be a pleasure for him to accept the position.
UAE's final 2014 World Cup qualifier takes place at home to Lebanon on February 29, with the team hoping to claim their first point in third round qualifying.
"Yes, we have thought of Maradona to lead the team. He is one of the names you cannot lose sight of, especially since he is already here," Al Serkal said.
"But we have to consider the financial aspects. Our goal is to announce a new manager before the end of the season, but I hope we can resolve this issue before that so the new manager can watch some of the league matches."
There has been various names linked with the role including Marcello Lippi, Frank Rijkaard and Dick Advocaat but Al Serkal refused to disclose any names of candidates.
He added: "We are still in the negotiating stage and as I said, there are financial aspects to be considered.
"We are not after a big name, but we want a man who can build the confidence of our players. He needs to be a man our players can trust because I believe that was one of the biggest reasons for the failure of the former coach.
"So we are looking for a coach who can instil confidence in the players, develop team unity and cohesion."
Maradona previously admitted he was interested in the UAE coaching role, saying it would be a pleasure for him to accept the position.
UAE's final 2014 World Cup qualifier takes place at home to Lebanon on February 29, with the team hoping to claim their first point in third round qualifying.
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