Benitez ready to create 'something great' at Dalian Yifang

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Benitez ready to create 'something great' at Dalian Yifang

Shanghai: Rafael Benitez admits he faces a stiff challenge in China PR but hopes to "create something great" at Dalian Yifang. 

In separate comments posted on both his own and the club's websites, the 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool said he had been approached on previous occasions about a move to China PR but that nothing lined up quite like Dalian's offer.

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Benitez to take charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifang

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Benitez to take charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifang

Dalian: UEFA Champions League-winning manager Rafael Benitez said on Tuesday that he will join Chinese top-tier side Dalian Yifang, just days after his three-year reign at English club Newcastle United came to an end.

"After a long path... We start a new challenge! I'm happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang," the Spaniard wrote on his verified Twitter account.

Benitez, who guided Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League crown in 2005 and has managed at European giants like Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid, parted ways with Newcastle last week.

Al Duhail head to Portugal ahead of Al Sadd face-off

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Duhail head to Portugal ahead of Al Sadd face-off

Doha: With the 2019 AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash with Al Sadd and the 2019-20 Qatar Stars League (QSL) season fast approaching, Al Duhail have set up base in the Portuguese city of Porto Mayo for a training camp.

Al Duhail, whose reign as QSL champions was ended by Al Sadd last season, ended the campaign brightly by winning the Amir Cup with a 4-1 triumph in the final over their domestic rivals.

Quarter-final ties confirmed

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Quarter-final ties confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The 2019 AFC Champions League quarter-final lineup was finalised following the official draw ceremony at the AFC House on Tuesday.

Defending champions Kashima Antlers, aiming to create history by becoming the first Japanese side to win back-to-back titles, will face two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou Evergrande FC from China PR.

Guangzhou, who have not gone beyond the quarter-final stage since 2015, will welcome Kashima on August 28 before travelling to Japan on September 18.

Persepolis place trust in Argentine Calderon

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Persepolis place trust in Argentine Calderon

Kuala Lumpur: Persepolis FC have unveiled Argentine Gabriel Calderon as their new head coach.

The former Argentina international replaces Croatian Branko Ivankovic, who is now leading Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli.

Persepolis announced Calderon's signing on Monday and the Islamic Republic of Iran giants will be counting on the former midfielder, who played for Argentina in the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, to continue their dominance in the Iran Pro League.

Al Hilal name Romanian Lucescu as head coach

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Hilal name Romanian Lucescu as head coach

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal SFC have announced the appointment of Romanian Razvan Lucescu as their new head coach.

The 50-year-old left Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki last month after guiding them to a historic unbeaten Greek Super League tile; their first since 1985.

Prior to his successful stint in Greece, Lucescu had managed Rapid Bucharest, Brasov and Petrolul Ploiesti in his native Romania. He also had a two-year spell in Asian football, which saw him win the Qatar Stars Cup with El Jaish in 2012-13.

Ivankovic appointed as new Al Ahli head coach

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ivankovic appointed as new Al Ahli head coach

Jeddah: Former Persepolis and Islamic Republic of Iran boss Branko Ivankovic has been appointed as new Al Ahli Saudi FC head coach, the club announced on Tuesday.

Confirming the appointment of the Croatian on their official Twitter account, Al Ahli said Ivankovic has signed a two-year contract with the club.

The 65-year-old replaces local coach Yousif Anbar who had been installed as caretaker in April following the dismissal of Uruguayan manager Jorge Fossati who lasted just over two months at Al Ahli.