Riyadh | Riyadh Province | British International School, Riyadh | Riyadh compound bombings | Riyadh Air Base |
In 2001 he had a short stint as Technical Instructor for the Romanian FA Coaching School, before moving to the Middle East where he has enjoyed successful spells in Syria with Al Qardaha, being named Syrian Football Association Coach of the Year in 2003, and in Saudi Arabia with Al Riyadh, saving the team from relegation in 2004 after taking over in a desperate situation.
It is unclear why Al-Riyadh took part in the competition as they weren't represented as either champions or runners up of the Arab Club Champions Cup or Arab Cup Winners' Cup.