Al Jazira begin life without inspirational coach Marcel Keizer when Al Nasr visit on Monday in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
Keizer, 49, called an abrupt halt to five phenomenal months in Abu Dhabi when Portugal giants Sporting Lisbon came calling this week.
Assistant Damien Hertog, 44, has taken charge of a side who remain undefeated in the Arabian Gulf League and are well poised in the AG Cup’s Group B.
“First of all, I would like to thank the management of the club for their trust in my potential and my choice to oversee the team at this stage,” said the former APOEL No2 and Feyenoord academy manager.
“Marcel [Keizer] is with us for as long as possible, but we respect his decision and wish him success.
“I can assure that our work in the training exercises and matches will be undertaken with the same amount of enthusiasm and commitment, plus the desire to provide the best constantly.
Meanwhile, Al Ain tactician Zoran Mamic is fully prepared for the usual talent drain in the international break.
The Boss will be without six UAE call-ups, Sweden striker Marcus Berg and Egypt midfielder Hussein El Shahat for the trip to Fujairah.
“We will miss the efforts of our internationals, but my confidence remains great in all the elements,” said Mamic.
Al Wasl need to avert a crisis when they meet Ajman in Group A.
The managerless Cheetahs have won just one of their last eight matches, in all competitions.
“The performance of the whole team has been reduced in this period and not only the defence,” said defender Abdulrahman Ali.
