Al Wasl reward manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena with new contract

Al Wasl manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena gives instructions during an Arabian Gulf League match between Al Wasl and Al Dhfra at Zabeel Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Dubai. Tom Dulat / Getty Images

Rodolfo Arruabarrena has agreed to a contract extension with Al Wasl as the club attempt to secure their best league finish in the professional era.

Al Wasl FC announces the renewal of the first team head coach Rodolofo Arruabarrena pic.twitter.com/4QdIVZQlzH

The seven-time UAE champions from Dubai are on course to seal a top-three spot and a place in next year’s Asian Champions League. They sit third in the Arabian Gulf League, one point off second place with two rounds remaining. Al Ain are fourth, two points back.

The news on Sunday that Arruabarrena signed a new contract represents a huge boost for Wasl. The Argentine, 41, joined the club last June on a one-year contract and has been an instant success, putting together a team who are the division’s joint-second highest scorers. They also boast the third best defence in the top flight. The details of the contract extension have not been released.

Previous to Arruabarrena’s appointment, Wasl had recorded successive sixth-placed finishes with compatriot Gabriel Calderon in charge. Their best finish in the professional era is fifth, achieved in the 2008/09 season and the 2009/2010 season. Wasl were last champions in 2007 and contested the Asian Champions League the following year. They have not qualified for the continent’s premier club competition since.

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