The Emirati club Al-Wasl has officially announced the temporary appointment of Swedish coach Masood Miral as the head coach of the first team, succeeding Portuguese coach Luís Castro. The "Emperor" attempted to sign Leonardo Jardim, but the latter refused to return to the ADNOC Pro League. Brazilian network ESPN reported that Al-Wasl made an official offer to the Portuguese coach, but Jardim is committed to continuing his role at Brazilian club Cruzeiro. The coach, who previously coached Al-Ahli and Al-Ain, spoke about the "Emperor's" offer, confirming his full commitment to the Cruzeiro project and rejecting the idea of leaving the club at this stage, despite the offer from Al-Wasl. In turn, Al-Wasl's football company is betting on coach Masood Miral, who previously worked as an assistant to Serbian coach Milos Milovanovic when the "Emperor" achieved a historic double, winning the ADNOC Pro League and the President's Cup in the 2023-2024 season. Miral, who is 37 years old, has a short coaching career so far, having played 96 matches, winning 45, drawing 29, and losing 22, which reflects his tactical balance and ability to achieve positive results with mid-tier clubs. Miral began his career in the Swedish league with Dalkurd in the third division, then moved on to coach BK Olympic in the same league. His most prominent stint was in the Iraqi Premier League with Duhok SC, which he led in 50 matches, successfully bringing the team back to local contention through a style based on tactical discipline, high pressing, and effectiveness in attacking transitions. Last season, he won the Gulf Clubs Champions League with the Iraqi club. Miral will begin his mission with Al-Wasl by leading the team in the eighth round of the ADNOC Pro League against Ajman at Zaabel Stadium on the 22nd. Al-Wasl's football company hopes the Swedish coach will help the team return to winning ways after a stumble in the last three matches: elimination from the President's Cup by Dibba Al-Fujairah, a draw in the league with Khorfakkan, and a draw in the AFC Champions League with Al-Muharraq of Bahrain.
