Defending Asian soccer champions Al-Ain have appointed Leonardo Jardim as their new head coach, replacing Hernan Crespo, who was sacked after a string of poor results.
Jardim, the former AS Monaco manager, has signed a contract until the end of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Jardim, who led Monaco to the Ligue 1 title and a remarkable Champions League semi-final in 2017, returns to the UAE after a successful stint with Shabab Al-Ahli, where he won the UAE Pro League title last year.
He also managed Al-Rayyan in Qatar for a season.
Crespo was dismissed following Al-Ain's heavy defeats, including a 5-1 loss to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in the Asian Champions League and a 3-0 loss to Egypt's Al-Ahly in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Al-Ain are currently eighth in the UAE Pro League and have just one point from four games in the Asian Champions League Elite.
Rain delays play havoc with Monterrey Open schedule
No Palmer, no problem as Chelsea run wild at West Ham
Kennedy Center to host 2026 World Cup draw
Man City defender Dias signs contract extension until 2029
Sinner to start US Open against Kopriva, Sabalenka faces tricky test
