Quique Sanchez Flores has put an end to the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new one-year deal with Al Ahli.
The Spaniard’s future at the Rashid Stadium had been in doubt after his short-term deal with the Dubai club whom he joined in November last year expired at the end of last season.
Ahli wasted little time in offering the 47-year-old a 12 month extension to his deal after he guided the Red Knights to a first ever Etisalat Cup and fifth place in the Pro League
Sanchez Flores’ agent, Jorge Mendes, was in the Emirates earlier this month to finalise terms with the club and insisted then that the former Atletico Madrid boss was “90 per cent” certain to stay.
News that an agreement has now been formally reached has been confirmed by Ahli chairman Abdullah Al Nabooda via Twitter. “Quique Flores has put pen to paper to extend his contract at @AlAhliClub for one more season,” he wrote.
Sanchez Flores, who had “at least three offers from Europe” according to Mendes, had said in an interview last month he was keen to remain in the UAE to lead Ahli to the Pro League title next season.
News of Sanchez Flores’ stay will be welcomed by the club’s chief executive Ahmad Khalifa who recently described him as the best coach to have ever worked in the UAE.
“I think he is the best,” Khalifa told Sport360°. “He arrived in November when the team was very down and not in good shape. He came here not knowing anything about the players or the local teams. He knew nothing about the football environment here.
“And when you think what he has achieved – ending the season as Etisalat Cup winners – you know he is a good man and a world-class coach. I’m sure he will lead us to the championship next season.”
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