Al Ain say they are yet to finalise a replacement for departed manager Zlatko Dalic but “are in talks” with two candidates with experience in the Arabian Gulf League.
Dalic immediately left his post following Monday’s 3-1 home defeat to AGL leaders Al Jazira, the Croatian saying he needed to “rest” following three years in charge at the Garden City club.
Ivan Jovanovic, the former Al Nasr manager, emerged as the early favourite to replace him but an Al Ain official said the club faced a significant hurdle to secure the Serb’s services as he continues to negotiate a contract settlement with his previous employers Nasr. Jovanovic was sacked by the Dubai club in October. That wrangle would appear to leave Jorge da Silva, the former Baniyas manager, in pole position for the job.
__________________________________
Read more
■ Report: Zlatko Dalic to depart Al Ain after Al Jazira defeat
__________________________________
“We are in talks with two potential signings with experience in the AGL,” the Al Ain official, who asked not to be named, said. “The other is Jorge da Silva.”
Da Silva previously managed Baniyas in 2013/2014 and led Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title in 2014/2015 before returning to his native Uruguay to take up a position with Penarol.
Al Ain will hope to have the new man installed before Saturday’s league meeting with bitter rivals Al Ahli as they look to end a run of three straight defeats.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
