Metsu steps down

His colleagues collectively say his is a good coach and overall, a good person. The soccer fraternity wishes Bruno Metsu, speedy recovery from his stomach cancer which was confirmed recently.

Metsu who took over from Diego Maradona as Al Wasl Club’s head coach has stepped down citing reasons of inability to perform his duties fully.

A media announcement from the club’s management on Friday said the Board of Al Wasl Football Company have accepted Metsu’s request to be relieved.

“Due to his current health condition, Mr Bruno Metsu has requested to be relieved from his duties as head coach of Al Wasl,” a club statement read on a social network.

“The Al Wasl Board has accepted Mr Metsu’s request and thank him for all he has given, wishing him a speedy recovery and best wishes.”

The Al Wasl board later in the day formerly thanked Metsu for all he has given during his time spent managing the Al Wasl seniors in the 20l2-13 season which began promisingly after a near dismal show the previous season.

Metsu, who also coached Al Ain (2002-04) and the UAE (2006-08), was earlier in October admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pain, which was confirmed as stomach cancer. The 58-year-old former French player and coach’s departure will see his assistant Gilles Morisseau, take over as Al Wasl’s interim coach, according to club officials. Only a fortnight back did Metsu seem the same positive and charming personality that he is at a media meet at Al Wasl Club before the league fixture against city rivals Al Ahli. “We have to take the road the hard way but it will surely be a safe one where our style will remain the same and positive,” he spoke of Wasl’s strategy.

moni@khaleejtimes.com