Maradona to coach Dubai's Al Wasl

Dubai based Al Wasl FC, who play in the United Arab Emirates Football League, confirmed yesterday afternoon in an official statement that Maradona would be their new coach.

The club statement said, "Al Wasl Sports Club is proud to announce the appointment of Diego Armando Maradona as head coach of Al Wasl Football Club, in a momentous development that will see the football legend lead the team for the next two seasons."

Maradona was in Dubai over the weekend to work out contract details, see the club and their facilities before agreeing to sign a contract. He would be unveiled at a press conference early next month and has signed a two year contract which starts next season. Currently the club is fourth in the UAE league.

"The value of the contract is worthy of the stature and reputation of the great legend," said Marwan Bin Bayat, chairman of Al Wasl FC.

For the 50 year old Argentinian this is the first assignment after his unceremonious exit as Argentina coach following the 4-0 trashing at the hands of Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. And though Maradona has been linked with a number of coaching jobs over the last 10 months, he now takes on a new task in a difficult surroundings.

The owners in the UAE with all their wealth do not give time to big names to deliver as they want instant results. For Maradona it won't be an easy task as also there will be a lot of critical eyes watching him.