A file picture taken on January 5, 2014 shows former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup during the FA Cup third round  against Manchester United.  Doha-based side Lekhwiya announced on July 1, 2014 that Michael Laudrup will take over as coach with immediate effect.  Andrew Yates / AFP
A file picture taken on January 5, 2014 shows former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup during the FA Cup third round against Manchester United. Doha-based side Lekhwiya announced on July 1, 2014 Show more

Ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup to coach in Qatar with Lekhwiya



Doha-based side Lekhwiya announced on Tuesday that Michael Laudrup will take over as coach with immediate effect.

The Dane has been out of a job since he was sacked at Swansea in the English Premier League in February.

The club, previously coached by Belgian Eric Gerets (who has since taken over at Al Jazira), said on their official website that details of his contract would be announced at a later date.

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder admitted he may look for a challenge beyond football management when his deal with Lekhwiya expires.

Laudrup, who also played for Juventus and Ajax during a glittering career told Danish newspaper Politiken: “I’m now entering my final phase as a coach.

“Although whether Lekhwiya will be my final or penultimate club I can’t say.

“And I don’t know either whether this phase while last two, three of four years. The answer is blowing in the wind.”

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THE SPECS

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 258hp at 5,000-6,500rpm

Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,400rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.4L/100km

Price, base: from D215,000 (Dh230,000 as tested)

On sale: now

FIXTURES

All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Brackets denote aggregate score

Tuesday:
Roma (1) v Shakhtar Donetsk (2), 11.45pm
Manchester United (0) v Sevilla (0), 11.45pm

Wednesday:
Besiktas (0) v Bayern Munich (5), 9pm
Barcelona (1) v Chelsea (1), 11.45pm

The biog

Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns

Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Food of choice: Sushi  

Favourite colour: Orange


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