Final whistle on Talajic era

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain have parted ways with head coach Dragan Talajic and his technical staff following the national team’s exit from the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah.

The Croatian’s departure brings an end to a tenure highlighted by Bahrain’s Gulf Cup triumph in Kuwait in January 2025, when they came from behind to defeat Oman 2-1 in the final and secure the kingdom’s second title.

Talajic, who initially joined Bahrain as technical director in 2022, took charge of the senior side in February 2024, having previously managed local clubs Riffa, East Riffa and Al Khaldiya.

The 61-year-old developed a strong connection with his players, a bond he spoke about in an exclusive interview with TDT ahead of Khaleeji 27.

“I really like all my players like my sons,” Talajic said. “I always say we are like one family, and we have to be.”

His tenure also included a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, despite a memorable 1-0 away victory over Australia.

Bahrain travelled to Jeddah as defending champions but failed to progress from Group B, losing all three matches in a winless campaign that ultimately brought Talajic’s time at the helm to an end.

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz has reportedly emerged as his likely replacement.

The vastly experienced 73-year-old recently resigned as Ghana head coach following a poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with concerns over the country’s training infrastructure also cited among the factors behind his departure.