UAE club Al Dhafra have appointed French coach Patrice Carteron as the new manager of their first football team, replacing Croatian coach Alen Horvat after a difficult start to the current season.
Carteron takes charge after an extensive coaching career in Arab football. He previously managed Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, in addition to coaching experiences in Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Qatar.
Patrice Carteron Begins New Chapter With Al Dhafra
The French coach now begins a new chapter in UAE football after his most recent experience in Arab football came with Moroccan club Wydad during 2026.
Al Dhafra are relying on Carteron's experience in the region as the club seeks to improve its results during the coming matches of the UAE league.
The club currently sits 12th in the league table with three points after five rounds.
Al Dhafra Have One Win From Five Matches
The coaching change came after a difficult opening to the league campaign. Al Dhafra played five matches, recording one victory and four defeats for a total of three points.
The team opened its league campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Sharjah before losing 2-0 to Shabab Al Ahli.
Al Dhafra then suffered a 2-0 defeat against Khorfakkan and a 1-0 loss to Al Wahda, before finally recording its only victory against Hatta with a 2-1 result.
Carteron's Task at Al Dhafra
Carteron faces a new challenge with Al Dhafra as the club looks to improve its results and recover from its difficult start to the league campaign.
The French coach will seek to use his previous experience in Arab football as he begins his tenure and attempts to help the team return to positive results.
Who is Al Dhafra's new head coach?
French coach Patrice Carteron has been appointed as the new manager of Al Dhafra's first football team.
Who did Carteron replace at Al Dhafra?
He replaced Croatian coach Alen Horvat, whose association with the club ended after the team's difficult start to the season.
What was Carteron's most recent Arab football experience?
His most recent Arab football experience came with Moroccan club Wydad during 2026.
How many points does Al Dhafra have?
Al Dhafra have three points after five league matches, with one win and four defeats.
What were Al Dhafra's results in their first five league matches?
They lost to Sharjah, Shabab Al Ahli, Khorfakkan and Al Wahda, while their only victory came against Hatta in a 2-1 win.
