Former Senegal and UAE coach Bruno Metsu has stepped down as manager of Dubai-based club Al Wasl "after being diagnosed with stomach cancer," according to REUTERS. The Frenchman replaced Diego Maradona as coach back in July. The 58-year-old, who took Senegal to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, has been "relieved of his duties after Al Wasl's board accepted his request to leave." Metsu's assistant, Gilles Morisseau, will take over as interim manager (REUTERS, 10/27).
NO MARADONA RETURN: In Dubai, Ashley Hammond reported that Diego Maradona is "not about to make a dramatic return" to coach Al Wasl. Word of a possible Maradona return had been fueled by the fact that he has "maintained good relations with his former employers" after taking up an ambassadorial role for the Dubai Sports Council. He also still has a home in Jumeirah hotels. A spokesperson for the club "refused to rule out the possibility of the board reverting back to the resumes of unsuccessful candidates from the time Metsu was appointed, but he adamantly denied that Maradona would be making a comeback anytime soon" (GULF NEWS, 10/28).
