KUALA LUMPUR – Esteban Solari bids farewell to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) after masterfully steering the club to a triumphant treble this season.
In an official announcement today on their Facebook page, ‘Southern Tigers’, JDT revealed that the 43-year-old gaffer, along with his coaching ensemble, will be parting ways with the club as a strategic measure amid ongoing financial restructuring.
The dynamic coaching team, consisting of Rodrigo Barrios, Antonio Mateos, Antonio Gavilan, and Dr Leandro Pinero, will join Solari in this exodus.
JDT emphasised that this financial overhaul is set to yield a substantial 30 to 40% reduction in its overall expenditures.
The club clarified its stance in a statement, citing the imperative need for financial restructuring to secure the club’s enduring viability.
“The club is currently undergoing a transformative phase aimed at trimming expenses, ensuring the long-term survival of the institution.
“Over the past six to seven years, significant investments have been made in football projects,” read the post.
Wishing players embarking on loan ventures, including Oscar Arribas, Syafiq Ahmad, Safawi Rasid, Akhyar Rashid, and Haziq Nadzli, the club extended its best regards.
Additionally, veteran footballers such as Aidil Zafuan Radzak, S. Kunanlan, Hazwan Bakri, Adam Nor Azlin, Leandro Velazquez, and Diogo Luis Santos bid adieu to JDT, concluding years of service.
Solari etched his name in JDT’s history books as the first coach to secure a treble in his inaugural season at the helm.
The Argentine assumed the head coaching role in December of last year, succeeding compatriot Héctor Bidoglio, who stepped down to the role of technical director.
JDT has made history by winning the Super League for 10 consecutive seasons since 2014. – December 28, 2023