Saudi Professional League Coach of the Year Vuk Rasovic is determined to seek “new success” with Al Dhafra and prevent another dogfight against relegation.

Rasovic, 45, has inked a three-year deal with the ambitious Western Knights. The Germany-born, ex-Yugoslavia defender represents a promising appointment after he guided Al Faisaly to defeat in their first-ever King’s Cup final in May, plus lifted them from sixth to ninth during his only full season in charge.

At the same time, Dhafra finished just one point and one place outside the promotion/relegation play-off spots in the Arabian Gulf League. Rasovic has resolved to stop a repeat, especially with outstanding Al Hilal midfielder Nicolas Milesi among a flurry of intriguing recruits.

He said: “I have a great desire for new success with this team. I followed Al Dhafra and the Arabian Gulf League before signing and I have a good idea about the team.

“I especially praise the club’s deal with the Uruguayan player, Nicolas Milesi.”

Rasovic replaces Macedonia’s Gjoko Hadzievski.

The new man has also impressed in Europe. In 2012/13, he claimed the Serbian Super Liga crown with giants Partizan Belgrade.

Future glory at Dhafra will rest on the output of their four foreign additions.

Milesi won the SPL twice with Hilal, Brazilian midfielder Diego is the reigning Ligue 2 Player of the Year, centre-back Amine Atouchi represented Morocco at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and Helder Guedes is an ex-Portugal Under-21 forward.