The man who replaced Pitso Mosimane at United Arab Emirates outfit Al Wahda has insisted that the side improved after he took over from the South African.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns boss managed the UAE Pro League outfit between July and November 2023, but was then relieved of his duties, and replaced by Dutchman Arno Buitenweg, who took over as the interim manager.
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The former RCD Mallorca academy manager was then in charge until January this year, when Goran Tufegdzic stepped into the role to see out the rest of the season.
When Mosimane left during the 2023/24 campaign, the side was fifth on the league table, just five points behind leaders Al Wasl after 10 matches.
By the time the season had reached its conclusion, the club was still in fifth place, but 25 points away from Al Wasl, who would eventually go on to win the league.
Buitenweg recently spoke to Yalla Kora about taking over from the South African tactician, and was if asked if he felt pressure after taking the reins.
"No, I didn't feel that way. The team improved in terms of results, and if we look at the team's results, we find that we suffered one loss in 17 matches," he said.
"I just wanted to change and give the local players a chance, and that's what we succeeded in achieving. I just believed in these players and in myself."
Prior to becoming the side's interim first-team manager, Buitenweg was the manager of the reserve side, but he revealed that he did not have too many interactions with Mosimane while in that role.
"There wasn't much communication between me and Mosimane, there wasn't communication between the first team and the reserves, but I think I did my job in the best possible way."
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