Saudi Arabia pick up former Barcelona coach Rijkaard

RIYADH // The Saudi Arabia Football Federation has hired the former Netherlands international and Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard as head coach of their national team.

Rijkaard, whose last position was at the Turkish club Galatasaray, is expected to a sign a reported US$11 million (Dh40.4m), three-year deal in London tomorrow.

Saudi Arabia have been without a coach since crashing out of the Asian Cup in January.

Ricardo Gomes, the former Brazilian defender and current Vasco da Gama coach, had been the Saudi federation's initial target and had signed a deal but then cancelled it after rejecting his demands.

Rijkaard was fired by Barcelona in 2008 after five years with the club, despite leading the team to two Primera Liga titles and the 2006 Champions League.