Dubai: UAE Under-19 national team boss Eid Baroot has expressed his pride at being appointed Al Wasl caretaker coach following Guy Lacombe’s sacking on Sunday.
The former Al Dhafra and Al Nasr stand-in manager, who started out as the UAE’s Under-17 coach, will now oversee affairs at Zabeel Stadium until the end of the season.
It comes after Frenchman Lacombe lost seven of his last eight matches in charge, culminating in a 4-0 loss to city rivals Al Ahli on Friday.
Al Wasl are now ninth in the league, 23 points off leaders Al Ain with only the Etisalat Cup left to pursue following a third round loss to Dibba Fujairah in the President’s Cup.
The 57-year-old former Monaco and Paris Saint Germain boss, who joined Al Wasl in November when taking over from the cancer-stricken Bruno Metsu and his temporary replacement Gilles Morrisseau, won only four of his 15 matches in charge, losing nine and drawing two. That gives him a modest win rate of 26 per cent.
Baroot told Arabic media: “Any coach when linked to a club like Al Wasl has to be happy. They are one of the biggest clubs in the UAE and they have a big history with a rich fanbase. Any coach would be proud and happy to take that role.”
A statement from Al Wasl read: “The board of directors of Al Wasl Football Club, at it’s last meeting on Sunday evening, officially dispensed of the services of French coach Guy Lacombe.
“The management of Al Wasl Club thanks the coach for all the efforts made after being appointed to replace Bruno Metsu and wishes him success in all future endeavours.
“The directors have decided to appoint local coach Eid Baroot until the end of the season. Baroot boasts extensive experience in local football.”
