Walter Zenga’s miserable return to the Arabian Gulf League is over after he departed bottom-placed Al Shaab by mutual consent on Saturday night.
Zenga, 55, joined the struggling promoted side in November after a spell at Sampdoria in Serie A came to an abrupt end. But the ex-Al Ain, Al Nasr and
Al Jazira supremo had a negligible effect on results, picking up four points in his 12 top-flight matches at the helm to fail to lift them from the foot of the table.
Friday’s 2-0 derby loss to Sharjah provided a fittingly-disappointing denouement.
“The temporary committee of the club has terminated coach Walter Zenga’s contract by mutual agreement,” a statement read. “The committee would like to thank the Italian coach for his efforts.
“Zenga has thanked the committee for their constant cooperation, wishing for the club to have a complete hierarchy and manager to compete at high levels.”
Assistant Stefano Cusin has been placed in temporary charge ahead of Friday’s opening President’s Cup match against Dibba Al Fujairah, with U-19 coach Mohammed Ismael supporting the Italian.
Meanwhile, coach Mohammed Kwid declared Al Dhafra had won the “mother of peaceful battles” against Emirates Club and are now full of belief in their bid to beat the drop.
UAE forward Ahmed Ali’s piercing run and superb finish saw the Western Knights climb out of the relegation zone on Saturday.
Only three points separates second-bottom Fujairah from ninth-placed Dibba Al Fujairah and Kwid was confident about saving his side.
“All the matches in the coming period in the Arabian Gulf League are peaceful battles and the match against Emirates Club was the mother of battles peaceful,” said the Syrian.
“Our team was worried before reaching the 20-point mark and the pressure was great.
“The team is now freed from the pressure after this win.”