Zakho announces signing of Talal Al Bloushi

Zakho have officially announced the signing of Qatari coach Talal Al Bloushi to lead the first team, replacing Frenchman Laurent Banide, whose contract was terminated due to poor results since the start of the current season.

The step came after the recent loss to Al Zawraa by four goals, which was the last straw in the relationship between the management and the French coach.

Laurent Banide's experience with Zakho has been unsuccessful. The coach, whom the management had bet on for a qualitative leap, was unable to impose his style or achieve technical stability.

Under Banid's leadership, the team has played four matches. The start was a victory against Gaz Al-Shamal, but results quickly declined. The team lost to Al-Minaa, drew with Diyala, before suffering a heavy defeat against Al Zawraa, losing 4-0 in the last round.

The results have left the team with 4 points, dropping them to 14th place, prompting management to make a swift decision to terminate the contract and search for a replacement.

Zakho have not looked far for a solution. The decision was to return to the recent past when the club achieved its best successes ever, this time with Qatari coach Talal Al Bloushi.

Al-Balushi previously led Zakho around two seasons ago, leaving an unforgettable mark. In that season, the team delivered its best performances in history, finishing the league in third place, which is the highest position the club has reached so far.

Al Zawraa reached the final of the Iraq Cup for the first time in their history under coach Al-Balushi, but lost the title to rivals Duhok on penalties.

The team has been playing entertaining and attacking football, with tactical discipline evident across all lines. Therefore, the club's management did not hesitate to bring back the Qatari who knows the ins and outs of the team, the city, and the fans very well.

Talal Al Bloushi expressed his great happiness at returning to Zakho, confirming that the previous experience was special in every way.

The task for Duhok's coach will not be easy. The team is suffering from a significant drop in morale after a four-goal defeat to Al Zawraa, the defense needs urgent reinforcement, and confidence is shaky.

The return of the coach who achieved the club's greatest successes gives fans and management great hope that history may repeat itself.