Bruno Metsu confirmed as Maradona's replacement at Al Wasl

The former UAE national coach had been widely tipped to replace Diego Maradona as Al Wasl's manager following the Argentine's sacking last week.

Bruno Metsu during his time as Qatar manager - he now faces the challenge of replacing Diego Maradona at Al Wasl

DUBAI // Former UAE national team boss Bruno Metsu has been confirmed as Diego Maradona's replacement at Al Wasl.

The 58-year-old, who led Al Ain to success in the AFC Champions League in 2003, has signed a two-year deal as manager.

He had been hotly tipped for the vacancy, and will be looking to restore stability to the Dubai side following the turbulent 14-month reign of Diego Maradona in the hot seat.

The club confirmed his appointment on Twitter this afternoon, saying: "Al Wasl Football Company announces the official appointment of Bruno Metsu as Head Coach of Al Wasl as a replacement for Diego Maradona.

"More details will be revealed in the press conference that will be held in the coming days to officially unveil coach Metsu."

Maradona and his coaching staff were dismissed by the club last week following a difficult season which saw the Zabeel side finish in 8th place in the Pro League.

They reached the finals of the GCC Cup, but failed to defend a 3-1 away lead in the second leg, ultimately losing on penalties.

Metsu found fame after guiding Senegal to the World Cup finals in 2002, defeating world champions France in the opening game before finally losing to a golden goal against Turkey in the quarter finals.

He joined Al Ain and led them to Champions League and domestic success, before moving to Qatari side Al Gharafa in 2004. In 2006 he took over as UAE national team coach, coaching them to their first ever Gulf Cup of Nations victory in 2007.

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