Rodolfo Arruabarrena ready for 'serious work' with focus on UAE's World Cup 2022 bid

New UAE manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena said he is determined to “make history” with the national team after he was confirmed as Bert van Marwijk’s replacement on Sunday.

The Argentine, who previously managed in the Emirates with Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli, was introduced to the media at the Football Association headquarters in Dubai. Arruabarrena has signed a contract through until the conclusion of next year’s Asian Cup in China.

The FA moved quickly to appoint a new manager having dismissed Van Marwijk on Saturday. Arruabarrena takes over the team at a crucial juncture: with two matches remaining in the final round of qualification for the 2022 World Cup; the UAE sit in the first play-off spot. Next month, they conclude the group campaign against Iraq away and South Korea at home.

Speaking in his native Spanish, Arruabarrena said: “I thank the national team committee and [committee head] Humid al Tayer especially for the possibility to manage the national team. I am ready for this challenge to make history and achieve the goals of the Football Association.

“You know already that I don't like to talk a lot, but to work a lot, with serious work. I am expecting my technical staff to be here soon to start working as soon as possible - to achieve the best performance as quickly as possible.

“We want to take the chance that we have to qualify and make best use of the current situation of the team. Everything is possible in football.”

Arruabarrena, 46, joined Al Wasl in 2016 and went on to lead the Dubai club to second- and third-place finishes in the UAE top flight - the club's best performances in a decade. Wasl also reached the finals of the 2017/18 President’s Cup and League Cup, only to lose both.

Bert van Marwijk has been