English Premier League
Paulo Sergio chooses Wydad project over bigger Middle East offers
Paulo Sergio says the chance to challenge for major honours with Wydad was more important than the higher salaries offered by clubs in the Middle East after he became the Moroccan club’s new head coach.
The Portuguese manager told Moroccan website Le Site Info Sport that Wydad had presented him with an opportunity to return to competing for trophies, something he felt had been missing from his most recent coaching appointments.
“At Wydad, I have a real opportunity to compete for titles, which is something I have not had the chance to do in recent years. That factor had a major influence on my decision,” Paulo Sergio said.
The 58-year-old confirmed that he had been negotiating with several clubs in the Middle East. Their financial proposals were more lucrative than Wydad’s offer, but he opted instead for the sporting project in Casablanca.
“I was in talks with a number of clubs in the Middle East, and their financial offers were higher, but I chose Wydad. For me, the club’s sporting project is extremely attractive, and that was one of the main reasons I decided to choose it,” he added.
Paulo Sergio also pointed to the changes within Wydad as a significant reason for his confidence in the club’s plans. He said the Moroccan side was aiming to begin a new chapter after a disappointing campaign last season.
Wydad finished fifth in the league last season, but the club has since undergone administrative changes. Paulo Sergio believes the new leadership has provided a clearer direction and strengthened the foundations of the project he has joined.
“Last season, Wydad finished the league in fifth place, but the administration has changed. There is a new team working with a clear vision and trying to do everything to the highest possible standard,” he said.
The Portuguese coach said preparations had already begun, with the main objective of restoring Wydad to its established position among Africa’s leading clubs.
“We started working on Monday, and we have the ambition to compete for titles and win cups, which is fitting for one of Africa’s strongest and most famous clubs. I believe the new administration will give us the opportunity to rebuild the team and put it back on the right path,” Paulo Sergio said.
His appointment signals Wydad’s intention to move forward under a new administration after last season’s fifth-place finish. Paulo Sergio’s comments indicate that the prospect of competing for silverware, rather than the size of the contract, was decisive in his decision to take charge of the club.
