Argentinian Pizzi tipped as Bahrain team head coach

TDT | Manama              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has entered into negotiations with Argentinian tactician Juan Antonio Pizzi to take over as head coach of the senior men’s national football team. This follows the breakdown of talks with his countryman Ricardo Gareca, who had been tipped in recent weeks as the replacement of departed Portuguese coach Helio Sousa.

The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) announced Pizzi’s candidacy yesterday. BFA secretary general Rashid Al Zoubi said that discussions were in the advanced stages with Gareca, but he eventually turned down the BFA’s offer.

The BFA has thus turned its focus to Pizzi, who is currently the manager of UAE Pro League club Al Wasl. Pizzi is a former player, born in Argentina but representing Spain at the international level. He began his coaching career in 2005.

He was also in charge of the national teams of Chile and Saudi Arabia in the past, during which he guided the Chileans to the final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. During his stint with Saudi, he was in charge of the team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Meanwhile, the BFA also announced yesterday that the board of directors has approved the appointment of Rashid Al Zayani as national team manager. He will be assisted by Adel Al Saadoun and Yahya Buallay as administrators.