Quique Sanchez Flores's decision to leave Al Ahli was not motivated by money, according the Abdullah Al Naboodah, the club's chairman.
The Dubai side are currently in discussions with two candidates regarding the vacant managerial role, after Sanchez Flores opted not to renew his contract with the President's Cup champions.
There had been speculation the Spaniard had requested a significant increase to his salary to remain at the Rashid Stadium but, speaking during a broadcast on MBC, Al Naboodah denied that was the principal cause.
"Quique did not leave due to financial reasons; it would have immediately been solved if that were the case," he said. "I think he has overseas offers, although I'm not sure, but our financial offer was 100 per cent bigger.
"He left for a personal conviction not to stay more than two years with any club."
Ahli's search for a successor appears to have concentrated on Aitor Karanka, Jose Mourinho's assistant during his time at Real Madrid, and Abel Braga, the Brazilian who guided Al Jazira to the 2011 UAE title.
Ahli have yet to reveal the identity of the candidates, although they expect to make an announcement before the end of this week. The club are attempting to bolter their Emirati contingent in the meantime, though, with Al Naboodah confirming he is waiting on Al Ain's response to a request to sign Mohammed Ahmed, the full-back.
On the last available expatriate spot, he added: "I won't sign a fourth foreign player until the new coach is signed in, to seek his opinion on the position that needs support."
Follow us
