Adnan Hamdan
Doha, Qatar- Qatar Sports Club signed Argentinian Sergio Batista as their manager for the 2018-19 season, here, last night.
The former Argentinian football manager, who enjoyed a good stint as the coach of Bahrain in 2015-16, replaced Abdullah Mubarak. Later, the former Argentinian playmaker was unveiled at a press conference.
The move has come as a shot in the arm for the club, which are gearing up for their tie against Al Kharaitiyat SC on Friday.
Qatar Sports Club had appointed Youssef Nubi to coach the team temporarily after the dismissal of Mubarak last week. Nubi will continue to assist the team as a staff member under Batista.
Speaking to reporters, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Nasser Al-Thani, the president of the Qatar SC, said that the club chose Sergio Batista because he has had “very good career” as a manager.
The president informed that the negotiations with Batista were on for long and hoped that the new coach will have a successful campaign with Qatar SC in the remaining of the QNB Stars League season.
Meanwhile, Batista, who was happy to be at the club and experience football in Qatar, said that he would look towards solving the problems of the club and help the players gain in confidence.
Batista is one of the most decorated footballer-turned-manager in South American football. He was part of the Argentine team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1986 and has coached stars like Lionel Messi.