Fujairah have reacted to their Arabian Gulf League struggles by drafting in ex-Al Ahli boss Ivan Hasek as replacement for the sacked Abdulwahab Abdulqadir.
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Intense speculation had surrounded the Iraqi’s future since a season of misery reached a new low two weeks ago when Bani Yas thrashed the promoted club 7-0.
A vote of confidence was rewarded with a 2-0 victory at Sharjah, but the final straw came on Tuesday with a 3-0 home loss to high-flying Al Shabab. The reversal left the eastern Emirate-outfit down in 11th place, just three points outside the relegation zone.
His exit was announced on Fujairah’s official Twitter account on Thursday afternoon, a picture then posted of Hasek holding a club scarf to reveal his arrival.
The former Czech Republic international midfielder has been out of work since a three-month spell at Qatar SC was brought to an abrupt end on September 11.
~ • رسميا المدرب التشيكي ايفان هاشيك مدرباً لنادي الفجيرة وسيتم تقديمه للأعلام غدا صباحا في الساعة… http://t.co/WgMgsGx55p
— FUJ_FC (@Fuj_FC) December 11, 2014
It is understood that Hazek travelled to Dubai last week to have talks with his prospective employers.
This is the well-travelled ex-Czech Republic boss’ third stint working in the UAE. He has enjoyed two spells at Ahli – the latest ending in 2011 – and one at Al Wasl in 2005.
Abdulqadir was ruthlessly drafted in less than a fortnight before the commencement of the new AGL campaign as replacement for Dzemal Hadziabdic. This came despite the Bosnian guiding Fujairah to promotion for the first time in eight years.
The decision has proved short-sighted, the club languishing near the bottom of the standings throughout.
Hadziabdic remains out of work, a return to international management possible. He recently rejected the Bosnia & Herzegovina job and has been linked strongly with taking over Iraq.
