Former Atletico Madrid head coach Abel Resino believes the time is now right for him to move to the Arabian Gulf League, after regretfully being forced to reject an offer from a leading Emirati club in June.
Resino, 54, is established as a prominent figure in Spanish football following a lengthy career as a player, coach and television pundit.
Twice capped by Spain, the former goalkeeper once held the European record for the longest run without conceding a league goal (1,275 minutes) from his time as a player at Atletico.
Resino was approached to bring his talents to the UAE two months ago, but declined because of other commitments. The situation has now changed, however, with him eager to utilise the methods he has learned in La Liga with teams such as Levante, Granada and Celta Vigo.
He said: “I want to bring all my experience of the Spanish football to the Arabian Gulf League, to help grow the world of football there.
“In that moment [in June], I had another offer from the Spanish league and I was participating with the Spanish football on TVE [the national state-owned public-service television broadcaster in Spain].
“Now, I am available to receive interesting offers from the Arabian Gulf League.”
Resino was last employed as a head coach in 2013, guiding a struggling Celta to top-flight safety before being replaced by current Barcelona boss Luis Enrique at the season’s end.
Previously, he had been hired in a number of roles with Atletico ahead of taking his first managerial post with Liga Adelante outfit Ciudad de Murcia in 2005. Resino soon took the reins at Levante and CD Castellon, prior to guiding Atletico to UEFA Champions League qualification in 2009 upon his return to the Vicente Calderon outfit as head coach. Spells in charge of Valladolid and Granada also followed.
Resino became a legend at Atletico as a player, winning the Copa del Rey twice during a 13-year attachment.
Despite never having worked outside of Spain, the prospect of coming to the UAE interests him.
“I am very excited to work in the Arabian Gulf League because I think it is very interesting for the football future,” Resino said.
“I think it is very important to have good players to create a excellent team, because the play is more attractive for supporters.”