Michael Olunga Set to Be Coached by Lionel Messi's Former Teammate at Al Duhail

• Michael Olunga is set to experience his third managed since joining Al Duhail in 2021
• Argentina legend Hernan Crespo has been tipped to take over at the club following the departure of Luis Castro
• Luis Castro left after less than a year after guiding the team to victory in the Amir Cup final

Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo is set to become the new coach of Michael Olunga’s club Al-Duhail in Qatar.

This new development comes after Al Duhail parted ways with Portuguese Luis Castro on March 18.

According to several outlets in Argentina and renown journalist Fabrizio Romano, Crespo, 46, is set to be announced as new Al Duhail coach in the coming days.

“Verbal agreement completed until 2023, only one year. He’s to replace Luis Castro,” added renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Sunday.

If indeed the move is completed, Crespo will be Olunga’s third manager at Al Duhail since he joined the club in 2021.

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When he joined the club, the Kenyan played under Sabri Lamouchi until August 9 2021, when the Frenchman was replaced by Castro.

Castro would go on to coach the club until March 18, leaving on the same day Al Duhail bagged the Amir Cup title.

Crespo has been in the coaching scene since 2013, and has won the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia and the Campeonato Paulista with Sao Paulo.

Crespo’s playing career

As a player, Crespo started off at River Plate, before having spells with Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.

If he takes over at Al Duhail, one of his main tasks will be to quell Al Sadd, who recently beat Olunga’s side to the title.

His immediate assignment will be at the 2022 Asian Champions League where Al Duhail will come up against Saudi Arabian side Al Taawoun on April 7.

Olunga on target in Amir Cup final

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Meanwhile, Olunga continues to show his worth in Qatar as he was on target once again during his side’s 5-1 win over Al Gharafa in the final of the Amir Cup on Friday night, March 18.

Having eliminated Al Sadd in the semis, Al-Duhail had their work cut out when they took on Al Gharafa in the final.

The Luis Castro-tutored side kicked off the tie on a flying note, taking the lead inside five minutes of action via Edmilson Junior.

Olunga doubled the advantage in the 18th minute before Almoez Ali got his name on the scoresheet with the third goal in the 52nd minute.