Bahrain, Pizzi agree to part ways

TDT | Manama                                                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Juan Antonio Pizzi has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Bahrain’s senior men’s national football team. This was announced yesterday by the Bahrain Football Association (BFA), stating that his contract has been terminated with mutual consent.

The BFA wished Pizzi and his technical team future success, and added that the search for the national team’s new head coach will be conducted. Pizzi’s exit comes after just under seven months since signing a two-year agreement with Bahrain in a ceremony held at the BFA headquarters in Riffa on July 22 last year.

Pizzi had helped guide Bahrain to the round of 16 of the recently concluded AFC Asian Cup. In the tournament, the Bahrainis had lost to South Korea but then won against Malaysia and eventual finalists Jordan during the preliminary stage, finishing as Group E winners. But they then lost to Japan in the round of 16 and were eliminated from further contention.

Pizzi had replaced Portuguese tactician Helio Sousa, who departed in June of 2023 following the completion of his contract, which was not renewed by the BFA. Prior to negotiating with Pizzi, the BFA were in talks with his fellow-Argentinian Ricardo Gareca, but he had turned down their offer. Pizzi was born in Argentina but represented Spain at the international level. He began his coaching career in 2005.

Prior to taking the helm of the Kingdom’s national team, the 55-year-old was the manager of UAE Pro League club Al Wasl. He was also in charge of Chile and Saudi Arabia in the past, during which he guided the Chileans to the final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. With the Saudis, he coached them at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, when he guided them to the round of 16.