DUBAI // Eid Baroot concedes the uncertainly surrounding his future at Al Wasl needs to be resolved so that the club can begin preparations for next season.
The Emirati, speaking ahead of tomorrow's Pro League encounter with Dubai, has been in charge of the Zabeel Stadium side since February, when he replaced Guy Lacombe, the experienced Frenchman, in a caretaker role. Since then he has guided Wasl to 13 points from seven matches.
Understandably, such success has prompted negotiations with the Wasl board regarding a permanent contract, although nothing has been finalised. Last month, following a 2-1 victory against Al Shabab, a club official told local television that Baroot was to be offered a new deal.
However, while Baroot yesterday cut a contented figure - Wasl are safe in mid-table with three matches remaining - he agreed that, the longer the doubts remain regarding his tenure, the more detrimental the impact it could have on the club's 2013/14 fortunes.
"There is nothing new in the negotiations since the last time we spoke," Baroot said. "Since I came here, from the moment they asked me to sign the contract, I have respected the management, the club and its spectators.
"But, at the same time, things are very clear now - we are not fighting for the championship and are far away from relegation - so it's better for the club to decide the new coach early, rather than keep waiting.
"They have to be very frank: say we need a new coach or not, this is our ambition, simple as that. It's good for the club, because the more space [until the start of next season] we have the better.
"From the Shabab match until the end of the season is about 45 days, so it's a good time to declare everything."
Given Wasl's current position of comfort in the table, it would seem to perfect opportunity to commence preparations for what promises to be an important summer. The Dubai club, having in 2007 sealed the last of their seven top-flight titles, have struggled in the league's professional era, finishing no better than fifth in the final standings.
Last season's eighth-placed finish under Diego Maradona was deemed unacceptable by the club board, who have since been replaced, and Wasl now sit ninth in the division.
The new committee, led by the chairman Adbullah Hareb, will therefore understand the significance of the next few months - something Baroot is keen to stress. "It's good for the club to hurry up," he said.
"Because there is no time left. If you see the recent record of this club, for the past two or three seasons they're always fighting relegation. So next season will be very difficult for the club to move forward.
"Everything must be settled from now. Identifying local players must be priority No 1, and then the foreigners. It's a good time to work towards that. The league starts on September 15, so in my opinion, there is no time left to make their decision."
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