Leonardo Jardim sets out ambitious plans for Shabab Al Ahli after being appointed manager

New Shabab Al Ahli manager Leonardo Jardim says he is determined to build a team that can compete both domestically and for the Asian Champions League.

The Portuguese coach, 47, was introduced to the media late on Wednesday at the Dubai club’s Rashid Stadium having last month signed a contract for the 2022/23 season. He replaces Emirati Mahdi Ali in the dugout.

Jardim, who previously managed Monaco with distinction, arrives at Shabab Al Ahli after his most recent spell in management with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, where he guided the Riyadh club to last year’s Asian Champions League crown.

However, Jardim left Hilal by mutual consent in February following the team's semi-final exit to Chelsea at the Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. His tenure had lasted eight months.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jardim said: "I am very happy and proud to sign with Shabab Al Ahli. It is a great team in the Emirates and the Gulf, since it competes always for championships.

"The team has a great project that gives me incentive to work with it, while at the same time one of the positive things is the club have won the Under-21 league title in the last two seasons.

“I came twice to Dubai to talk with the club’s management, and we discussed many matters, including winning titles. In any team I coach I always give everything I have, and there is no doubt that the club's project is in line with what I seek to achieve.