Bahrain coach Jurcic Strechko is set to cope with the possibility of cutting ties with the national team.
The Croatian coach has led Bahrain to become one of Asia's most improved teams this year according to a Fifa assessment.
"I am happy in Bahrain," reiterated Strechko to Gulf News. "My contract ends in 2006, but recently I have felt that some mysterious sources are creating problems for me and my team."
Strechko's comments came after Bahrain's victory (3-1) over Kuwait for a third place finish in the Gulf Cup.
Strechko is undecided on where he will go. "First I want to sit with the Bahrain FA (BFA) officials and decide my future. I have to think about the second round of the World Cup qualifiers during which we will play Iran, Japan and North Korea and also chalk out a preparation programme.
"Furthermore, I will study four offers made to me recently: two are from the UAE and the others are from China and Japan," Strechko added.
Throwing light on the sinister moves reportedly being made against him, Strechko said: "I have heard and read about some officials in Bahrain accusing me of the team's failure to reach the final of the Gulf Cup. However, I am not worried because I believe in myself. I have done a good job and the team has achieved excellent results.
"In addition, the success of the national team has opened doors for most of the players to play professional football in the region. We have 16 professionals in Qatar and Kuwait. This is a big achievement.
"I am not keen to leave Bahrain at the moment although all four offers I have are better than what the BFA pays me. It is not a matter of money. I have a commitment with the team and I want to fulfil it unless the BFA decides to terminate my services.
"I have always wanted to coach in Dubai, or the UAE. My family loves living there. I am thinking of buying a home in Dubai to settle there in the future. If the BFA terminates my contract, then I might take up an offer in the UAE.
"I believe that the UAE team has improved since the Gulf Cup in Kuwait early this year. They need to get more experience and play more matches.
"I think a bright future awaits Esmail Mattar and the other young players," Strechko said.
Strechko coached the UAE Under-20 team during the World Youth Cup in Malaysia (1997) and then led Al Ittihad in Kalba and Al Ahli in Dubai. He was also in charge, albeit temporarily, of the national team during the Asian Cup qualifiers in Lebanon (2000).
Gulf News
