Former Egypt coach Héctor Cúper named as Uzbekistan’s new manager

Former Egypt manager Héctor Cúper has been named the new head coach of Uzbekistan, the country’s football association (UFA) announced on Wednesday.

Cúper, 62, helped Egypt qualify for the World Cup in Russia, the country’s first in 28 years, however, after a disappointing campaign at the competition, he left his role with the Pharaohs.

The Argentine has been handed a contract until 2022, as he will attempt to qualify Uzbekistan for the World Cup in Qatar.

Cúper, also a former Valencia, Inter Milan and Real Betis manager, will be unveiled in Tashkent on 6 August, according to a statement on the UFA’s official website.

Uzbekistan's first foreign coach in 12 years

Cúper becomes Uzbekistan’s first foreign coach to lead the team since Russia’s Valeri Nepomniachi left the role in 2006. He replaces interim head coach Timur Kapadze.

The Argentine will lead Uzbekistan to next year’s Asian Cup finals in the United Arab Emirates.

For this competition, set to kick off on 5 January, the Uzbeks have been drawn to face Japan, Oman and Turkmenistan.

Former Atlético Madrid coach Aguirre takes over Egypt

Former Mexico and Atlético de Madrid coach Javier Aguirre has been appointed to replace Cúper as the new Egypt tactician.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have opted for Aguirre to lead the country during their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Mexican is set to be presented by the EFA in a news conference on Thursday.