Metsu steps down as Al Wasl coach

Dubai: Bruno Metsu has stepped down as head coach of Al Wasl football club with immediate effect, following the news that he has stomach cancer.

A brief press note issued by the club on Friday stated that Metsu, who replaced Diego Maradona as Al Wasl coach in the summer, had requested to be relieved of his duties as head coach “due to his current health condition”.

The Al Wasl board of directors met late on Thursday to consider Metsu’s request.

“His request has been officially accepted by the board of Al Wasl Football Company,” the brief press statement said.

“Mr Metsu’s request was submitted due to his inability to fully perform his duties as coach of Al Wasl,” it added.

Metsu is one of the most recognisable football faces in the UAE and in the Gulf region. Though perhaps better known for coaching Senegal to a shock 1-0 win over his native France in the 2002 Fifa World Cup, Metsu has presided over immense success at various clubs in the region. He has also coached the UAE national team.

The 58-year-old took over from the legendary Maradona in mid-July this year and struck up an instant rapport with the Zabeel outfit, winning the confidence of the board, supporters and players.

However, earlier this month Metsu was admitted to the nearby American Hospital with severe abdominal pain, which has been confirmed as stomach cancer.

His assistant Gilles Morisseau will continue looking after the team during the interim period.

“Perhaps Gilles is in the best position to continue what Metsu has started with Al Wasl merely because the two of them have been together for so long,” a source from Al Wasl told Gulf News.

“No one is happy about the news,” he added.

“But then this is the situation we are in and it is best that the coach’s wishes are respected because it concerns his health.”

The Al Wasl board thanked Metsu for “all he has given during his time spent managing Al Wasl”.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and send him our best wishes,” the statement said.

“The board of directors is yet to discuss a possible replacement at this moment. But as soon as the decision is taken, it will be made known,” the source added.