Quique Sanchez Flores has come to terms with Al Ain and will take over as coach from next week, The National has learned.
A source at the club today said the deal has been sealed, and the 48-year-old Spaniard will run the team after tonight’s Arabian Gulf League match at Al Dhafra.
The deal completes what is, essentially, a swap of coaches between Al Ain and Al Ahli, currently the country’s most prominent clubs.
Cosmin Olaroiu led Al Ain to league championships the past two seasons but jumped to Ahli during the summer, replacing Sanchez Flores, who left at the end of his two-year contract with the Dubai club.
Ahli won two trophies under the Spaniard’s guidance, the League Cup in 2012 and the President’s Cup earlier this year.
The trade of coaches figures to make the recent rivalry between the club, which most recently included Ahli winning the Super Cup from Al Ain in a shootout, even more interesting.
Sanchez Flores, a defender, played for Valencia, Real Madrid and Zaragoza. His first job managing a first team was at Getafe, in 2004, and since then he has led Valencia, whom he took to the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals, Benfica, Atletico Madrid and Ahli.
He replaces Jorge Fossati, the Uruguayan who replaced Olaroiu, only to be dismissed by Al Ain after 49 days, and ends a week of speculation that variously had him close to signing, stalled in negotiations and a candidate for the Galatasaray job.
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
