Frenchman Troussier nears landing Qatari hot seat

MEF -  2002 World Cup Japan manager Philippe Troussier is on the brink of sealing a deal to take charge of Qatar national team, this has been reported today in capital Doha.

Current manager, another Frenchman, Pierre Lechantre is being linked with a possible move to United Arab Emirates outfits Al-Wasl of Dubai, following humiliating defeats in friendly home outings at the hands of Egypt and AC Milan.

“Until this very moment, nothing is concrete, but things are being undergone in a positive manner,” Troussier was quoted as saying to the local press media today.


“I am personally interested with the Qatari offer,” he added. “They have serious aspirations to build a competitive side for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, and I strongly believe that the side who are currently at the 6th or 7th spot on the FIFA rankings in Asia have firm chances to make it to the finals in Germany.

“Admittedly, challenge is already in front of all of us, that’s why I am interested in the offer.

“What I need to making sure of, at this stage of the negotiations, is the ability to dictate my own plans at every level of the job here. I am willing to put my experience at the disposal of the squad and we are all hopeful only good things are lying ahead of us,” concluded the Frenchman who coached Japan in their first-ever World Cup venture last summer.