Winfried Schaefer back in coaching - in Dubai

DUBAI - Former Cameroon manager Winfried Schaefer said on Monday he was delighted to be back in coaching, but at the same time surprised how quickly he struck a deal with United Arab Emirates (UAE) club Al Ahli Dubai until 2007.

“I am very happy to work as a coach again and I am looking forward to the challenge,” Schaefer, 55, told DPA.

Schaefer, a German, started his new job on Sunday, four months after being fired as Cameroon national team coach.

“When I recieved the offer last Thursday I only wanted to have a look and fly back home again. But then we agreed to terms and the club boss wanted to keep me here,” said Schaefer.

At Al Ahli, Schaefer replaces Ilie Balaci of Romania, who was sacked after a fistfight with forward Faisal Khalie.

The three-time champions Al Ahli, boasting Asian Footballer of the Year Ali Karimi of Iran, are a mid-table club in the 14-team league.

The team and Schaefer next face a big challenge in the form of a first round match in the Asian Champions League against Qatar club Al Sadd Doha, who field World Cup winners Romario (Brazil, 1994) and Frank Leboeuf (France, 1998) as well as Iran veteran forward Ali Daei.

“That will be a big challenge,” said Schaefer ahead of the match.