The four-man shortlist for the UAE national team job was revealed this week.
Following Mahdi Ali’s resignation after last month’s 2-0 defeat in Australia that left the team’s hopes of a World Cup 2018 berth in tatters, replacements are being lined up.
The four names reported are Reinaldo Rueda, Edgardo Bauza, Jurgen Klinsmann and Ricardo Gareca.
Here, we look at what each of the four candidates could have to offer.
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REINALDO RUEDA
Claim To Fame
Recently ranked among the top 10 coaches in the world, he’s enjoying a successful spell at Colombian side Atletico Nacional and is popular among fans.
Trophies
Last season at Colombian side Atletico Nacional, he won the Superliga Colombia, Copa Libertadores and Copa Colombia.
Verdict
Isn’t as high-profile an appointment as others on this list but has pedigree both in club football and on the international stage with Colombia, Honduras and Ecuador.
EDGARDO BAUZA
Claim To Fame
The 59-year-old lasted less than one year in the Argentina hotseat following his sacking this week – and his job with the White and Sky Blue was easily his biggest yet. Bauza is an experienced boss, especially in his native Argentina, but a poor World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign and ultimately his dismissal will be what most people remember him for most.
Trophies
He is twice a winner of the famed South American club competition, the Copa Libertadores (with Recopa Sudamericana in 2010 and San Lorenzo in 2014).
Verdict
Bauza’s name is obviously in the headlines and he might well be keen for an immediate return to football.
However, his lack of experience away from Argentina could hinder him when trying to make the jump to manage abroad.
JURGEN KLINSMANN
Claim To Fame
The iconic Tottenham forward enjoyed a stellar playing career in European football and also turned out for the likes of Inter Milan, Monaco and Bayern Munich.
His managerial career has been good, but not great.
After guiding Germany to third place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he lasted less than a season in charge of Bayern between 2008-09 and he has enjoyed mixed success as boss of the United States – of whom he was dismissed last November.
Trophies
He won the CONCACAF Gold Cup back in 2013 with the States and was voted coach of the year soon after – an award he has won twice.
Verdict
Six months or so outside of football should have whetted his appetite for a return but the 52-year-old may feel he needs an extended break from the game.
RICARDO GARECA
The current Peru boss is the only man in the top four who is still in work.
Gareca’s side are struggling somewhat in the South American World Cup 2018 qualifying table, lanquishing in seventh position – but it looks unlikely he’d leave his current post yet.
Claim To Fame
Verdict
An experienced name to throw into the hat but this isn’t a go-er.