Berzovic to relish new challenge as Al Shaab coach

Dubai: The new Al Shaab team coach Luka Berzovic has said that he loves a challenge and his new mission with Al Shaab will be a big one - improving the team from past seasons.

"I enjoyed working in the Gulf. I worked before with Al Ahli and Al Ittihad Saudi Arabia, Al Sadd of Qatar and my last mission was with Bahrain national team," said Berzovic after he signed a one-year contract with Al Shaab general secretary Obaid Al Shamsi at the club premises.

The Belgian coach, who played with the Yugoslavia national team in the seventies, signed a one-year contract with Al Shaab for $350,000.

Obaid Al Shamsi said that Berzovic is a well known name in GCC soccer. "We are pleased to sign with a big name like Luka who knows a lot about soccer in the GCC countries since he coached many clubs in the Gulf," said the general secretary.

He said the team will hold its training camp in Switzerland in August under Berzovic to prepare for the professional league.

Stern approach

"I have my own ways to make the difference," said Berzovic.

"I will focus on discipline, hard work, patience and developing the skills of players.

"No promises from me to win titles, I will do my best with the help of the players, board, administrators, to achieve success and excellent results next season."