Al Ittihad boss attracting interest from UAE and Qatar

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Sierra is a wanted man.

    Coach Jose Luis Sierra has attracted admiring glances from sides in the UAE and Qatar after his impressive exploits at crisis-addled Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Ittihad, who are yet to offer a contract renewal contrary to local rumours.

    Sierra, 48, is set to become a free agent this month after a strong debut campaign, containing victory in the 2017 Crown Prince Cup. Success in also leading the club into a tight battle for a top-three finish in the Saudi Professional League has been made more impressive as they were unable to enter the 2017 AFC Champions League because of serious financial and administrative problems.

    Reports in the Kingdom have stated fresh terms are about to be inked at ITTI. But the ex-Chile attacking midfielder’s agent, Nicolas Larrondo, says no offer is on the table.

    Sierra has excelled throughout his seven-year managerial career, lifting the 2013 Transicion and 2015 Apertura at Union Espanola and Colo-Colo in his native country.

    He was linked to Bani Yas last summer, prior to pitching up in Jeddah. A number of posts could become available in the Arabian Gulf League once the 2016/17 campaign finishes.

    Ittihad’s final fixture of the season is at Al Fateh tomorrow. They currently sit fourth, requiring slip-ups elsewhere to potentially make ACL 2018 – pending entrance tests.

    Ongoing issues at the club could yet see outstanding loanees Mahmoud Kahraba and Fahad Al Ansari also switch to the UAE. Egypt forward Kahraba’s 16 goals in 20 SPL appearances on a temporary deal from Zamalek has attracted AGL champions Al Jazira, while Al Wasl want to swoop for Kuwait anchorman Al Ansari from Al Qadsia.

    Recommended