Damien Hertog era at Al Jazira officially begins in AGL against Al Dhafra

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  • (Twitter/@AlJazira_uae).

    A new era officially begins for undefeated Al Jazira on Tuesday night at relegation-threatened Al Dhafra when Damien Hertog takes charge for the first time after a successful caretaker stint.

    Hertog, 44, stepped in for fellow Dutchman Marcel Keizer once he abruptly departed in November for Portugal giants Sporting Lisbon after only five months in charge. A 2-1 victory in the Abu Dhabi-derby against Al Wahda and 6-0 humbling of lowly Emirates Club were registered in the Arabian Gulf League by the ex-assistant coach, impressing the club’s hierarchy sufficiently to confirm his permanent hiring late on Sunday night.

    “In line with the club’s efforts to support the sports teams and to achieve more successes, Al Jazira announces the appointment of assistant coach Damien Hertog as the team’s coach,” a statement read about a deal that is expected to initially run until June 2019.

    “This comes from the interest of the management to ensure stability and provide all the requirements for the success of the team in the next stage.

    “The management’s decision is in recognition of Damien’s work since the beginning of the season, which reflects positively on the performance of the team.

    “It is an extension of the confidence in the coach from the management, players and fans. It is also to promote the technical gains and maintain the sporting approach of the Pride of Abu Dhabi.”

    Hertog’s only previous experience in charge came in 2010/11 with Dutch semi-professionals Excelsior Maassluis. Several different postings in Feyenoord’s youth set-up would follow, prior to a two-month spell underneath compatriot Mario Been at Cyprus’ APOEL from June-July 2017.

    Ex-Ajax supremo Keizer then selected him for his technical staff in Abu Dhabi last June.

    Hertog has become the Pride of Abu Dhabi’s third-successive Dutch leader.

    Henk ten Cate worked wonders at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium from December 2015 to May 2018, winning the 2015/16 President’s Cup and 2016/17 AGL.

    Meanwhile, Al Nasr’s temporary duo of Ali Murad and Caio Zanardi will be in the dugout when promoted Fujairah visit Dubai.

    Ivan Jovanovic was sacked, for the second time, in the wake of last week’s 1-0 loss to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club. This result left the big-spending Blue Wave down in 10th heading into round 12.

    UAE right-back Ahmed Al Yassi admitted change had to occur.

    “Our results have not been satisfactory in the last two rounds,” he said after Jovanovic became the seventh managerial casualty of the season. “We have to show fighting spirit and total discipline in order to get through this period.”

    The evening’s remaining fixtures see Shabab Al Ahli try to gatecrash the leaders when they travel to top-flight returnees Bani Yas. Emirates will attempt to escape the drop zone with just a third victory of the season, against Ajman.

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