Vladimir Ivanovich has started his work as the head coach of the first football team of the Al-Ain club. He will hold his first training session today evening at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, in preparation for the 'leader' match against Batin, which will take place next Saturday within the framework of the 15th round of the Professional League.
"This will be an early test for the new coach in terms of his technical competence and tactical discipline," says a statement from the club. Ivanich became the third coach to head the team since the beginning of the season, and the first since the founding of the club at the helm of Al-Ain. He became the 54th coach of the team and the 23rd coach since the beginning of its professional performances.
Ivanich has extensive experience in coaching: in 313 matches, his teams recorded 192 victories, 68 matches ended in draws, and 53 matches finished in defeats. Under his leadership, the teams scored 577 goals and conceded 243.
During his tenure, Ivanich won the Greek and Israeli leagues, became the holder of the Israeli Super Cup, and also showcased himself in the development of young talents, leading the under-19 team of PaoK, which became champions.
The new coach is faced with no simple task: he will need to deal with a heavy legacy left by his predecessors and return the team to the path of victories. The team has left all competitions of the season and significantly lagged in the fight for the championship in the local tournament.
It is known that Ivanich is reputed for his strict methods of work, which once led to his dismissal from English Oxford. His demands, such as a ban on the use of mobile phones during trainings or obtaining permission for listening to music in the dressing room, did not gain popularity among players, and caused tension in relationships with the coaching staff.
