Al-Ahly appoint Uruguayan Martin Lasarte as new coach
Egyptian giants Al-Ahly have announced the appointment of Uruguayan Martin Lasarte as their new head coach until 2020.
Egyptian giants Al-Ahly have announced the appointment of Martín Lasarte as their new head coach. The Uruguayan has signed until the summer of 2020. Lasarte replaces Frenchman Patrice Carteron whose contract was terminated by Al-Ahly after the team finished as runners-up to Espérance Tunis in the African Champions League last month.
"Lasarte is officially our new coach after signing the contract following a meeting with club president Mahmoud El-Khatib," Al-Ahly's football director Abdel-Hafiz told reporters.
Lasarte, 57, will take charge of the team after their CAF Champions League clash against Jimma Aba Jifar on Friday. His first game as manager of the Egyptian side will be against El-Dakhelya on 26 December.
Lasarte’s first adventure in Africa
The Uruguayan tactician was favoured ahead of Englishman Steve Bruce, who was close to signing for Al-Ahly, but the club’s board opted for Lasarte. This will be his first adventure in Africa.
A former defender, he previously handled South American clubs including Nacional, Danubio, Millonarios, Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile. Lasarte also had a stint as Real Sociedad coach in Spain between 2009 and 2011. He helped the team return to the country’s top flight after an absence of three years. He also worked with Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates in 2002.