Bruno Metsu
Encyclopedia
Bruno Metsu also known as Abdul Karim, is a retired French
footballer and is the current manager of Qatar
i side Al-Gharafa. He was head coach of Qatar national football team
from 2008 to 2011 when he sacked due to poor performance in the recent Asia Cup
.(http://www.soccernews.com/qatar-sack-bruno-metsu/69725/ ) He is perhaps most notable in Europe for coaching Senegal
to a surprise victory over France
in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup
.
, along with a spell in Belgium
with Anderlecht
. After retiring as a player, he took up the assistant manager post at his last club, Beauvais
, and by 1988, he became full-time manager of the club. He spent over a decade coaching in France before his first foray into international management.
in 2000 before joining Senegal
later that year. He helped the Francophone side to a spot in the 2002 World Cup
, their first ever appearance in the tournament, where they were expected to prop up a group containing France
, Denmark
and Uruguay
. Senegal pulled off a shock in the opening match of the tournament, however, beating former colonial masters and defending World Cup
and European champions France
1–0. Metsu's side qualified from the group stage and beat Sweden
in the round of 16, earning recognition as the first African side to reach the quarterfinals since Cameroon
in 1990.
Senegal were finally beaten in the quarterfinals by Turkey
in extra time on İlhan Mansız
's golden goal. After they had defeated France in the opening game, Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade
had declared a national holiday. Metsu's connection to the country went even further as he had converted to Islam
after marrying a Muslim woman, taking the name Abdul Karim. His psychological approach to the game had led him to encourage Senegal's players to focus on France's weaknesses rather than their strengths, using videos to his advantage and adjusting his coaching methods to the unique challenges of an African side.
, he took over defending champions Al Ain
, owned by the Emir of Abu Dhabi
. He led the side to victory in the first edition of the re-branded AFC Champions League
in 2003, completing a double including the country's league championship. This led to a host of offers for the Frenchman, who joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa to the dismay of his former employers. Metsu was eventually forced to pay a fine for breach of contract.
Metsu led his new side to the Qatari championship in his first season, going unbeaten in the process. However, with players in the league contracted to the country's Olympic committee rather than their clubs, the side was dismantled with Marcel Desailly
joining Qatar SC. Metsu maintains that the Crown Prince of Qatar
orchestrated the moves due to his unhappiness at his club, Al-Sadd
, being dethroned from the top of the Qatar Stars League. Metsu nevertheless led his side to victory in the 2005/2006 Sheikh Jassem Cup
, but conditions had deteriorated to the point that he departed.
Next up for Metsu was a brief stint in Saudi Arabia
, where two-time defending champions Al-Ittihad were struggling in fifth place and in need of a late surge up the table. Metsu was handed a one-month contract by club president Mansour Al-Bilawi and took the club to third in the table, eventually losing in a play-off semifinal to Al-Hilal
.
Metsu returned to the United Arab Emirates
as national team
boss in 2006, coaching his side to victory in the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations
in front of a packed stadium in Abu Dhabi
on 30 January 2007. It was the country's first Gulf Cup win, with Metsu achieving what former national team bosses including Don Revie
, Carlos Alberto Parreira
, Mario Zagallo
, Tomislav Ivic
, Roy Hodgson
, Carlos Queiroz
and Dick Advocaat
had all failed to do.
The UAE crashed out of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup
, finishing third in a group containing Japan
, regional rivals Qatar
and co-hosts Vietnam
. Despite his contract lasting until 2010, Metsu resigned from the head coach position on 22 September 2008 after suffering defeat in two straight World Cup qualifiers at home. Metsu's overall record with the side was 13 wins (11 official), 9 draws (3 official) and 20 losses (8 official) in 42 matches (22 official), scoring 47 goals and conceding 59.
On 25 September 2008, Metsu returned to Qatar, accepting a job as manager of the national side
. The country was announced as host of FIFA World Cup 2022 in December 2010, but Metsu was fired from the post in February 2011. He didn't have to wait long for a new job and was announced as new Al-Gharafa manager in March 2011, returning to the club he won the Qatari title with in 2005.
Al-Gharafa
United Arab Emirates
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
footballer and is the current manager of Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
i side Al-Gharafa. He was head coach of Qatar national football team
Qatar national football team
The Qatar national football team is the national team of Qatar and is controlled by the Qatar Football Association. They have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup but are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team has also appeared in seven AFC Asian Cup tournaments and hosted the 2011 AFC Asian...
from 2008 to 2011 when he sacked due to poor performance in the recent Asia Cup
Asia Cup
The ACC Asia Cup is an international men's One Day International cricket tournament. It was established in 1983 when the Asian Cricket Council was founded as a measure to promote goodwill between Asian countries. It was originally scheduled to be held every two years...
.(http://www.soccernews.com/qatar-sack-bruno-metsu/69725/ ) He is perhaps most notable in Europe for coaching Senegal
Senegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
to a surprise victory over France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
.
Biography
Metsu's playing career was largely based in his native FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, along with a spell in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
with Anderlecht
R.S.C. Anderlecht
Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the...
. After retiring as a player, he took up the assistant manager post at his last club, Beauvais
AS Beauvais Oise
Association Sportive Beauvais Oise is a French association football club based in Beauvais. The club was formed in 1945 as a result of a merger and currently play in the Championnat National, the third level of French football. Beauvais plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre Brisson located...
, and by 1988, he became full-time manager of the club. He spent over a decade coaching in France before his first foray into international management.
Africa
Metsu took over African national side GuineaGuinea national football team
The Guinea national football team, nicknamed Syli national , is the national team of Guinea and is controlled by the Fédération Guinéenne de Football. They have never qualified for the World Cup finals, and their best finish in the African Nations Cup was second in the 1976...
in 2000 before joining Senegal
Senegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
later that year. He helped the Francophone side to a spot in the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, their first ever appearance in the tournament, where they were expected to prop up a group containing France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
, Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
and Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
. Senegal pulled off a shock in the opening match of the tournament, however, beating former colonial masters and defending World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
and European champions France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
1–0. Metsu's side qualified from the group stage and beat Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
in the round of 16, earning recognition as the first African side to reach the quarterfinals since Cameroon
Cameroon national football team
The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Les Lions Indomptables , is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's most successful side in FIFA world cup; having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times – in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010– more than any...
in 1990.
Senegal were finally beaten in the quarterfinals by Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
in extra time on İlhan Mansız
Ilhan Mansiz
İlhan Mansız is a former Turkish football player.-Career:He attracted much attention from female fans due to his fashionable dressing style and hairdo, being listed among other football players such as David Beckham who are often categorized as metrosexuals...
's golden goal. After they had defeated France in the opening game, Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade
Abdoulaye Wade
Abdoulaye Wade is the third and current President of Senegal, in office since 2000. He is also the Secretary-General of the Senegalese Democratic Party and has led the party since it was founded in 1974...
had declared a national holiday. Metsu's connection to the country went even further as he had converted to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
after marrying a Muslim woman, taking the name Abdul Karim. His psychological approach to the game had led him to encourage Senegal's players to focus on France's weaknesses rather than their strengths, using videos to his advantage and adjusting his coaching methods to the unique challenges of an African side.
Middle East
Metsu's success with Senegal led him to the lucrative Middle East, where in the United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
, he took over defending champions Al Ain
Al Ain FC
Al-Ain Sports and Cultural Club is a professional association football and mult-sports club based in the city of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. The football section of Al Ain won the 2003 AFC Champions League competition with a 2-1 aggregate victory over BEC Tero Sasana of Thailand.Al Ain...
, owned by the Emir of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western...
. He led the side to victory in the first edition of the re-branded AFC Champions League
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
in 2003, completing a double including the country's league championship. This led to a host of offers for the Frenchman, who joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa to the dismay of his former employers. Metsu was eventually forced to pay a fine for breach of contract.
Metsu led his new side to the Qatari championship in his first season, going unbeaten in the process. However, with players in the league contracted to the country's Olympic committee rather than their clubs, the side was dismantled with Marcel Desailly
Marcel Desailly
Marcel Desailly is a retired Ghanaian born French footballer and star of the France national football team squad, with whom he won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000...
joining Qatar SC. Metsu maintains that the Crown Prince of Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
orchestrated the moves due to his unhappiness at his club, Al-Sadd
Al-Sadd
Sadd Sports Club known as Al-Sadd Club is a Qatari sports club, best known for its football team of the Qatar National First Division, from the city of Doha. The club goes with the Nickname "Al-Zaeem", which translates to "The Boss", and was founded by four students on the October 21, 1969 in...
, being dethroned from the top of the Qatar Stars League. Metsu nevertheless led his side to victory in the 2005/2006 Sheikh Jassem Cup
Sheikh Jassem Cup
The Sheikh Jassem Cup is a prelude to the Qatar first division league and Qatar's knockout tournament in men's football .-Previous winners:*1977/78 : Al-Sadd*1978/79 : Al-Sadd*1979/80 : Al-Sadd...
, but conditions had deteriorated to the point that he departed.
Next up for Metsu was a brief stint in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, where two-time defending champions Al-Ittihad were struggling in fifth place and in need of a late surge up the table. Metsu was handed a one-month contract by club president Mansour Al-Bilawi and took the club to third in the table, eventually losing in a play-off semifinal to Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club , also known simply as Al-Hilal, is a Saudi Arabian sports club based in the country's capital of Riyadh and best known for its professional football team, known as Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club...
.
Metsu returned to the United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
as national team
United Arab Emirates national football team
The United Arab Emirates national football team represents United Arab Emirates in association football and is controlled by the United Arab Emirates Football Association, the governing body for football in United Arab Emirates...
boss in 2006, coaching his side to victory in the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations
2007 Gulf Cup of Nations
The 2007 Arab Gulf Cup of Nations, the 18th edition, took place in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, from January 17, 2007 to January 30, 2007....
in front of a packed stadium in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western...
on 30 January 2007. It was the country's first Gulf Cup win, with Metsu achieving what former national team bosses including Don Revie
Don Revie
Donald George 'Don' Revie, OBE, , was an English footballer who played for Leicester City, Hull City, Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds United as a deep-lying centre forward. After managing Leeds United he managed England from 1974 until 1977...
, Carlos Alberto Parreira
Carlos Alberto Parreira
Carlos Alberto Gomes Parreira is a Brazilian former football manager. He managed Brazil to championships at the 1994 World Cup, the 2004 Copa América, and the 2005 Confederations Cup...
, Mario Zagallo
Mário Zagallo
Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo is a Brazilian former football player and manager.-Biography:Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo was born in Maceió, Alagoas, to a family of Lebanese and Italian heritage....
, Tomislav Ivic
Tomislav Ivic
Tomislav Ivić was a Croatian football player and manager.Often described as a brilliant strategist, Ivić is credited with helping develop the modern style of the game...
, Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson is a former English footballer and current head coach of West Bromwich Albion.Hodgson, who has managed sixteen different teams in eight countries, guided the Switzerland national team to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup and qualification for Euro 1996; Switzerland had not qualified...
, Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Manuel Brito Leal Queiroz ComIH is a Portuguese football manager. He is currently the manager of the Iran national football team. A former manager of Real Madrid, and Portugal national football team, he has also twice been Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at English club Manchester...
and Dick Advocaat
Dick Advocaat
Dirk Nicolaas "Dick" Advocaat is a Dutch football manager and former player currently the manager of the Russia national football team.He has been moderately successful as a football player and as a coach, which included two stints with the Dutch national football team...
had all failed to do.
The UAE crashed out of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup
2007 AFC Asian Cup
The Asian Football Confederation's 2007 AFC Asian Cup finals were held from July 7 to July 29, 2007. For the first time in its history, the competition was co-hosted by four nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The tournament was won by first-time champions Iraq, who defeated Saudi...
, finishing third in a group containing Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
, regional rivals Qatar
Qatar national football team
The Qatar national football team is the national team of Qatar and is controlled by the Qatar Football Association. They have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup but are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team has also appeared in seven AFC Asian Cup tournaments and hosted the 2011 AFC Asian...
and co-hosts Vietnam
Vietnam national football team
The Vietnam national football team is the national football team representing Vietnam and is managed by the Vietnam Football Federation.In the FIFA World Rankings, Vietnam's highest standing was in the first release of the figures, in September 1998, at 84th...
. Despite his contract lasting until 2010, Metsu resigned from the head coach position on 22 September 2008 after suffering defeat in two straight World Cup qualifiers at home. Metsu's overall record with the side was 13 wins (11 official), 9 draws (3 official) and 20 losses (8 official) in 42 matches (22 official), scoring 47 goals and conceding 59.
On 25 September 2008, Metsu returned to Qatar, accepting a job as manager of the national side
Qatar national football team
The Qatar national football team is the national team of Qatar and is controlled by the Qatar Football Association. They have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup but are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team has also appeared in seven AFC Asian Cup tournaments and hosted the 2011 AFC Asian...
. The country was announced as host of FIFA World Cup 2022 in December 2010, but Metsu was fired from the post in February 2011. He didn't have to wait long for a new job and was announced as new Al-Gharafa manager in March 2011, returning to the club he won the Qatari title with in 2005.
Club
Al-Ain- AFC Champions LeagueAFC Champions LeagueThe AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
: 2002-03AFC Champions League 2002-03The 2002–03 AFC Champions League was the 22nd edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament and the 1st edition under the current AFC Champions League title... - UAE Football League: 2002-03, 2003–2004
Al-Gharafa
- Qatar Stars League: 2004-05
- Sheikh Jassem CupSheikh Jassem CupThe Sheikh Jassem Cup is a prelude to the Qatar first division league and Qatar's knockout tournament in men's football .-Previous winners:*1977/78 : Al-Sadd*1978/79 : Al-Sadd*1979/80 : Al-Sadd...
: 2005-06
International
SenegalSenegal
Senegal , officially the Republic of Senegal , is a country in western Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north...
- African Cup of NationsAfrican Cup of NationsThe Africa Cup of Nations, also referred to as the African Cup of Nations or African Nations Cup, officially CAN , is the main international association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football , and was first held in 1957. Since 1968, it has been...
:- Runner-up: 2002
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates national football team
The United Arab Emirates national football team represents United Arab Emirates in association football and is controlled by the United Arab Emirates Football Association, the governing body for football in United Arab Emirates...
- Gulf Cup of NationsGulf Cup of NationsThe Gulf Cup of Nations , also known as Khaleeji followed by the edition of the games , is a football tournament currently held every two years rotating the host city every edition...
: 20072007 Gulf Cup of NationsThe 2007 Arab Gulf Cup of Nations, the 18th edition, took place in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, from January 17, 2007 to January 30, 2007....