Al Jazira rubbish claims Felix Magath to replace coach Paulo Bonamigo

ABU DHABI // Al Jazira have rubbished speculation that Felix Magath, the former Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg manager, was on the verge of agreeing a deal to replace Paulo Bonamigo at the 2011 Pro League champions.

Some media outlets had suggested that Magath, sacked by Wolfsburg last month, had travelled to the UAE to have talks with Jazira and that he was even in the stands for the 2-1 victory over Al Shabab, Bonamigo's former club, last week.

"There is no truth whatsoever in this story although it has been making its rounds for more than a month and we have been giving the same answer," Ali Al Nuaimi, the club's spokesman, said.

"If the club wanted to change the coach they would have done one month ago after the poor start to the season.

"We have a press briefing on Tuesday on our next Pro League match against Dubai [on Thursday] and Mr Bonamigo is going address it."

Bonamigo was signed in the summer after Jazira convinced him to break his contract at Shabab, incurring a financial penalty, to switch to the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

The Brazilian coach had led the Dubai side to fourth- and third-placed finishes during his time there, but his reign at Jazira began with two defeats and two wins from his first four games, fuelling speculation his job was at stake, going into a home clash with champions Al Ain in October.

However, a fine performance which saw his side come from 2-0 down to clinch a draw sparked a run of three victories from the next four matches, including Saturday's 3-1 win at Kalba

Jazira sit fifth in the Pro League table after nine games, just five points behind the leaders Al Ain.

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