Zoran Mamic named new Al Hilal manager, but a quick reunion with Al Ain awaits

Croatian appointed on a one-and-a-half-year deal takes on his former club in the Asian Champions League on March 5

Emirates's Al Ain head coach Zoran Mamic celebrates during a penalty shootout at the end of the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Al Ain Club and River Plate at the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Zoran Mamic has been appointed Al Hilal manager on a one-and-a-half-year contract.

The Croatian replaces the Portuguese Jorge Jesus, who has left the Saudi Pro League leaders by mutual consent after less than a year in charge.

Mamic returns to a country where he previously coaches Al Nassr after stepping down as manager of UAE champions Al Ain just eight months after leading the club to a league-and-cup double, the first in the club's history.

He also guided Al Ain to the Fifa Club World Cup final last month, where they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in Abu Dhabi.

But the 47 year old will find himself in a quick reunion with his former employers: Al Hilal open their Asian Champions League campaign with a match against Al Ain on Match 5.